Agenda item

To receive a verbal briefing from the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Recovery on the Economic Growth and Recovery workstream.

10.1    The Chair introduced Councillor Melvin and congratulated her for her recent appointment to the Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery & Growth post, adding that they looked forward to working with her in this capacity.

10.2    Councillor Melvin thanked the Chair and the Committee. She then provided a verbal briefing on the work which had been taken thus far within the Economic Recovery & Growth workstream of the Gloucester City Recovery Plan.

10.3    She highlighted that these were apolitical times, and that collaborative working was vital during the recovery planning. She outlined that within her post she had focused on three key strands. Firstly, the development of a clear and concise action plan to shape the response to the COVID-19 situation. Secondly, the identification of key organisations and individuals who could work with Gloucester City Council to deliver this plan. Thirdly, immediate actions which would have a direct impact on the economic recovery and growth of the City.

10.4    Councillor Melvin explained that as far as the action plan was concerned, she envisioned the process being carried out in four phases. The first of these was ‘crisis’ and this covered the period from March to June during which the priority had been the issuing of £20,0000 in government grants to over 1600 businesses. She expressed her gratitude to the Head of Policy & Resources and the Intelligent Client Officer and their teams who had been played a key role in this process, with Gloucester City Council consistently performing being in the top 10 of local authorities in the country in this regard. Councillor Melvin outlined that over 99% of these grants had now been issued, and that the Council had worked closely with colleagues and business organisations such as The Federation of Small Businesses, The Gloucester BID GIFA, GFirst LEP in order to provide accurate and up to date business advise as well as intelligence to Central Government.

10.5   Councillor Melvin outlined that the second phase was “Pre-Recovery” which is the period the City was currently in, and would likely run until August. She stated that this phase covered the gradual re-ordering and reopening of the City. This had already started with the proliferation of signs and stickers in City Centre advising on safe distancing. Additionally, Councillor Melvin explained that the third phase, “Recovery” would likely run until the end of 202 and perhaps even into early 2021. This would cover the reopening of the evening economy and a continuing need to support businesses. The fourth phase was “Transformation and Renewal” which would see the emergence of a transformed and renewed City, for example, with new and innovative retail offerings. Councillor Melvin advised that with assistance from Officers, she had established the Economic Recovery & Growth Task Force to act as a consultative body comprised of various individuals and organisations. She added that she was pleased that Councillor Stephens and Councillor Bowkett from the Labour and Liberal Democrats groups respectively, had joined the task force. In addition, she stated that task force would oversee the first three phases whilst the proposed City Centre Commission would oversee the fourth phase if approved at the next Cabinet meeting on the 17^th of June 2020.

10.6    Finally, Councillor Melvin outlined some of the specific actions which had been taken to support the City ‘s economic recovery & growth. This included working with traders from the indoor market in Eastgate Shopping Centre to facilitate the safe opening of the market on the 15^th of June 2020. A further example was rental holidays for tenants in which rent could be recovered over a longer period where appropriate, thus easing cash flow issues. Moreover, she stated that she was working on a concept to reimagine the markets offers and build on this for the rest of the City. For this, work had started with “bridging” to bring the indoor markets on trend with WIFI, rebranding, painting, improved website, new store signage etc.  Councillor Melvin hoped to present the new indoor market concept at the next Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting. Councillor Melvin also stated there was work being undertaken on a concept for a monthly street and flea market, although she could not expand on this for the time being. Other developments included the opening of the Farmers Market on the 19^th of June and the launch of the Discretionary Grant Scheme alongside Cheltenham, Stroud and Tewkesbury Councils for which the deadline for applications was the 21^st of June 2021. Lastly, Councillor Melvin advised that due to the COVID-19 situation, all toilets available under the Community Toilet Scheme in the City Centre were not available except for Eastgate Shopping Centre which would had opened its toilets on the 15^th of June 2020. Similarly, toilets at the Transport Hub, Gloucester Park, Westgate Street Car Park were all now open. She added that the Council would continue to work with partner organisations and traders to ensure that the Community Toilet Scheme was fit for purpose during the recovery phase and was acutely aware of the need for more toilets.

10.7    Councillor Haigh thanked Councillor Melvin for the comprehensive update. She added that she had been to the Eastgate Indoor Market in her capacity as Mayor and she was pleased to see Councillor Melvin working hard with the Markets team to ensure a smooth reopening of the market. She added that whilst there, she had been engaged in a discussion about the possibility of having a food market in order to attract people to the gate streets. She noted that a few years ago the Council had experimented with a night market in Kings Square. Whilst this was no longer possible due to the current work being undertaken at Kings Square, attractions such as night markets could help bring people into the City Centre and support the businesses which were currently open until the hospitality industry was back on its feet. Councillor Melvin stated that she agreed with this and would be happy to discuss this with Councillor Haigh in further detail. Moreover, Cabinet was working on several schemes looking at all market offers, and the City benefitted from having incredible manufacturers to help facilitate any such markets.

10.8    Councillor Tracey congratulated Councillor Melvin on her new post. She then asked whether it would be possible to have a sign pointing to where the toilets in the City Centre were located. She remained concerned that there was still a lack of toilets available. In addition, Councillor Tracey asked whether there had been many traders at the opening of the Eastgate Indoor Market. Councillor Melvin responded to say she welcomed the idea of having signs pointing to where the available toilets where located and would communicate with Officers about this. Secondly, she outlined that there had been 19 shops open at the Indoor Market with the rest opening on the 6^th of July 2020.

10.9    Councillor Hilton submitted that it would be difficult to achieve economic recovery, particularly in the city centre. He noted that some retailers had gone into administration during the lockdown and it was possible that others would follow suit. Moreover, he pointed to Germany where there had been a reduction in footfall since the reopening of retail stores, and a similar challenge could be faced in the UK. Secondly, Councillor Hilton queried whether Debenhams, in the City Centre had re-opened, and, if it had not, whether there were any plans to assist it to re-open. Thirdly, Councillor Hilton questioned what plans, if any, were in place to help pubs, restaurants and cafes to re-open for example through alfresco dining. Lastly, Councillor Hilton echoed Councillor Tracey ‘s concerns over the lack of toilets in the City Centre.

10.10 Councillor Melvin advised that Debenhams would be opening on Wednesday 17^th of June. In relation to the opening of pubs, restaurants and cafes, she outlined that Cabinet was still waiting further information from Central Government. Nevertheless, Officers were working with businesses to ensure that they are Covid-19 safe when they do reopen, and there were discussions about the possibility of having a “star” system. Moreover, Officers were also working with businesses about the use of outside space, however each case would need to be looked at on an individual basis, and the police would need to be consulted. Furthermore, in relation to the economic recovery aspect, she highlighted that she was working with the Economic Development Department and Asset Management on a deliverable plan to fill the high street. This would include first identifying who owns the stores, however, this was still a work in progress.  Moreover, the Economic Recovery & Growth Task Force would have some input in this.

10.11  The Head of Place highlighted that the City Council did not currently charge for licenses for tables and chairs outside the gate streets, but this was not necessarily the same for Gloucester Quays. However, the Council was considering not charging for tables and chairs at Gloucester Quays to encourage businesses to use outside space. Councillor Hilton suggested that the space outside The Lord High Constable of England (a JD Wetherspoons Pub) could be used as outside eating space by businesses. Councillor Melvin stated that whilst she agreed with this, the space was owned by Peel Land & Property, and under a separate contract. Thus, it would be their decision whether to use that space. However, it was likely that the space would be used by their tenants. The Lord High Constable of England pub was not one of their tenants. Councillor Hilton outlined that he was not just referring to The Lord High Constable of England pub using this space, but other businesses as well, if possible.  Councillor Melvin advised that the Managing Director of Peel Land & Property was due to attend the Economic Recovery & Growth Task Force meeting that week, and it was question which should be asked of him.

10.12  Councillor Stephens congratulated Councillor Melvin on her appointment to her Cabinet post. He then highlighted that much of the debate had focused on the City Centre and Gloucester Quays and was concerned that the rest of the City was being forgotten. Furthermore, he believed that it was important that Economic Recovery & Growth Taskforce also focused on areas of the City outside the City Centre. Councillor Melvin responded to say that the areas outside of the City Centre were equally a priority. She added that Officers were working with local business across the City to assist them with recovery planning.

10.13 Councillor Pullen was concerned that even after the lockdown restrictions have been eased to allow pubs, restaurants and cafes to reopen, people may still not feel safe to go to these venues even with the 2m rule. He added that this could have a negative impact on the already struggling hospitality industry. Councillor Melvin echoed this concern, and stated that some businesses in the industry may not survive. However, the sooner the companies could be helped to reimagine their businesses and perhaps diversify, the better. This was something she was already doing alongside the City Centre Manager and other officers.

10.14  Councillor Walford, speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Licensing & Enforcement Committee confirmed that the 28 day consultation period when an application was made for tables and chairs to be used outside was being suspended. This would speed up the process for any businesses looking to make use of outside space in order to comply with the 2m rule.

10.15  Councillor Toleman informed the Committee of an issue which had been raised with him. This was in relation to a café in Gloucester Quays whereby the owners had been told that customers would not be allowed to sit down and drink their beverages, but were allowed to stand only. Councillor Melvin advised that she was not aware of anyone from the City Council doing this. Thus, she would need to look into this issue and get back to Councillor Toleman.

10.16 Councillor Melvin concluded her update stating that these were apolitical times, and collaborative work was important. Thus, she welcomed any suggestions which Members had at any time.

10.17  The Chair thanked Councillor Melvin for theupdate.

10.18 RESOLVED: - that the Overview & Scrutiny Committee NOTE the update.