Agenda item - Environmental Industries - Scrutiny Review Panel Report

Report of the Acting Director of Strategy & Governance together with the report of the Environment & Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny Committee Scrutiny Review Panel, (copies attached).

32.1         Councillor Randall introduced the report and stated that he wished to thank all those involved in the scrutiny process and the production of the final report.  He was pleased to see that the recommendations from the Panel had been taken on board.  It was important that the council worked with various partners as well as environmental and digital industries and the universities to take aspects forward.  He also welcomed the news of the wind farm that was to be located off the coast and noted that the company involved was based in Brighton.

32.2         Councillor Davis stated that she had found the process to be a very positive experience and wished to add her thanks to the Panel Members and officers supporting the Panel.  She also believed that those who had attended the Panel’s meetings had found it beneficial and been able to build relations that would not have occurred without the review.

32.3         Councillor Fallon-Khan welcomed the report and stated that he believed the city was in a good position in terms of coming out of the recession.  He stated that officers were in discussion with landholders/office accommodation holders with regard to finding ways of releasing available space to enable small businesses to grow and develop.

32.4         Councillor Caulfield stated that in regard to housing, she was hoping to make an announcement shortly about an agreement with an energy company to improve efficiency and tackle fuel poverty.

32.5         Councillor Harmer-Strange welcomed the report and stated that he believed it had led to a number of positive outcomes.

32.6         Councillor Randall thanked everyone for their comments and stated that he believed the whole review had shown the value of the scrutiny process and commended the report to the council.

32.7         The Mayor noted that the report had been moved and asked that the recommendation be agreed.

32.8         RESOLVED: That the report be noted.