To receive any questions, statements and petitions of which Members of the Council have given notice.  Deadline for notification is 5.00pm on Monday 25^th January 2016.

Councillor Andrew Bannerman asked the following questions and the written response was tabled.

What is the remit of the Shrewsbury Vision Group?  Who set it up?  When?  How often has it met?  Are there any records of its meetings?  If not, why not?  To what other Council committees or business does it relate?  What is its membership?  How were they (and the Chairman) elected or selected?  Whom are they consulting?  To whom will they report?  When?

Response:

Cabinet agreed on 19th October 2011 to develop and deliver the key actions outlined within the Shrewsbury Vision delivery plan.  Establishing a key stakeholder group to oversee the design and delivery of key projects.

In considering these recommendations it was felt that the Vision may require a refresh in light of new developments such as the University Centre Shrewsbury and the creation of the Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID)

Councillor Mal Price took the lead to bring an initial group of a small number of stakeholders to consider how the refresh could be undertaken, what resources would be required and what officer capacity existed in order to deliver and monitor the actions. Councillor Claire Wild had subsequently taken the lead role given her other responsibilities including the University and the BID until recent Cabinet changes in January 2016. The Chair has now reverted back to Cllr Mal Price for the immediate future.

The group established has met several times and additional attendees have joined.  It is very much in the formative stages as initially resources particularly staff resources were required to be established.

The group relates to Cabinet through the Portfolio Holder.

To date there have not been any formal records of the meetings.

There is nothing yet to formally consult upon, however, projects which will have already been initiated such as the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package will be consulted upon as a key project.

As regards to reporting mechanisms and timescale this is yet to be discussed.

Councillor Price added that the review was expected to take approximately six months and would consider the future of the Group, its strategic vision and aspirations.  Following the review a report would be made to Cabinet with recommendations.  Councillor Price continued that resources for the work of the group were limited and it was hoped that it would be supported by various business organisations in Shrewsbury including the Shrewsbury BID and Chamber of Commerce. 

RESOLVED:

                  i.        That the Shrewsbury Vision Group be added to the work programme of the Enterprise and Growth Scrutiny Committee; and

                 ii.        That the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing, Regulatory Services and Environment, with the Lead Officer for the Shrewsbury Vision Group, be invited to give a presentation to the Committee.