Issue - meetings

"I believe the Economic Development Portfolio Holder has not held any public Portfolio Holder Meetings and does not intend having any in the future. If this is the case how can Scrutiny monitor his activities and provide democratic accountability?" 

Councillor John Batchelor asked, “I believe the Economic Development Portfolio Holder has not held any public Portfolio Holder Meetings and does not intend having any in the future. If this is the case how can Scrutiny monitor his activities and provide democratic accountability?”

Councillor Nick Wright, Economic Development Portfolio Holder, explained that he had not ruled out having any meetings but did not believe that it would be appropriate to convene any at this point.  He would be taking quarterly reports to Cabinet, as Economic Development was important across all portfolios and service areas.  These reports would include a set of annual priorities, and regular financial monitoring and oversight of actions taken to meet the agreed priorities.  Cabinet, at its 8 September 2011 meeting, had agreed the first set of annual priorities; in future years Cabinet would be asked to agree the priorities at the beginning of each financial year in line with the annual service planning process.  Councillor Wright added that Scrutiny monitors and opposition spokesmen were welcome to question him at Cabinet meetings, and offered to schedule informal briefings at the request of monitors and spokesmen.

Councillor Batchelor welcomed Councillor Wright’s suggestions, but expressed concern about the proposed informal briefings, asking as his supplementary question how monitors would be able to hold the Portfolio Holder to account on behalf of taxpayers.  Councillor Wright replied that he would be willing to reconsider but was not anxious to hold meetings just for the sake of having meetings, and that the briefings would be open to all members to provide any background information on the material in the Cabinet reports.

Cabinet AGREED the priority actions contained in the appendix of the report, including the restructuring of the £150,000 Economic Downturn Measures budget allocation to be split £90,000 for 2011/12 and £60,000 for 2012/13.

Cabinet decisions were published on Friday 9 September 2011and therefore the Democratic Services Section must be notified of any call in by 5pm on Friday 16 September 2011.  All Cabinet decisions not called in by this date may be implemented on Monday 19 September 2011

Cabinet AGREED the priority actions contained in the appendix of the report, including the restructuring of the £150,000 Economic Downturn Measures budget allocation to be split £90,000 for 2011/12 and £60,000 for 2012/13.

Councillor Nick Wright, Economic Development Portfolio Holder, set out the successful benefits being brought to the district’s businesses and residents through the economic development initiatives undertaken since 2008, and summarised the activities underway.  The top priority was District-wide high-speed broadband internet access, which was crucial for encouraging businesses to set up outside of Cambridge City and supporting residents who worked from home.  Councillor Wright felt that the Council’s role as a supporter of business was increasing, and commented the Council had been recognised as business-friendly, open to business and supporting the District’s economic needs.  The Leader also congratulated Cllr Wright and the economic development officer on the measures and the achievements of the last three years noting a “sea change” in delivery.

Cabinet AGREED the priority actions contained in the appendix of the report, including the restructuring of the £150,000 Economic Downturn Measures budget allocation to be split £90,000 for 2011/12 and £60,000 for 2012/13.