Agenda item

Councillor Jeffries (Business, Economy and Tourism) and Councillor Wrigley (Communities, Housing and IT) presentations will include information on their portfolio areas of responsibility.

Business, Economy and Tourism

Councillor Jeffries, Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy and Tourism summarised her service areas of responsibility, challenges and achievements. 

In regard to tourism, Teignbridge was promoted through the many Welcome to South Devon promotions, to encourage more people to visit Teignbridge with the variety of the coast and Dartmoor. A survey was currently seeking accommodation providers opinions on the introduction of a voluntary guest charge of £1 to improve quality and variety of tourist facilities in Teignbridge. This would be a voluntary contribution and not a tax.

In regard to improving the economy, the Council was working with Connecting Devon and Somerset for improved internet access; and forthcoming improvement projects aiming for completion by 2021 included a Premier Inn, and NHS at Teignmouth, a Travelodge at Newton abbot, and a new cinema complex at Newton Abbot by 2022. 

The Council offered assistance to local businesses which included finding work space, resolving issues, regulatory advice, training and encouraged apprentices and fairtrade. The Council worked with several organisations including the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group, and encouraged applications to the Greater Dartmoor Local Enterprise Action Fund. Challenges included the number of over 65’s nearly doubling by 2035 to 44 for every 100 adults, climate emergency declaration and Brexit.

The closure of BC Tiles at Heathfield was referred to and how the Council’s recent successful Trade Fair event resulted in the successful redeployment of BCT workers.

Housing, Communities and IT

Councillor Wrigley Portfolio Holder for Housing, Communities and IT summarised his service areas of responsibility, challenges and achievements.

The areas of responsibility encompassed Housing, community engagement, customer services, IT, business improvement and development, and community safety.

Successes for the Housing Service over the past year included: close to £900,000 funding bid for such projects as rough sleepers; 15 community led affordable housing schemes; working closely with the Gypsy and Traveller community; and affordable housing delivery exceeds targets by 15%. Challenges included the reduction of government and other funding, and development of a second homeless hostel for single people or higher risk households.

The customer services team had successfully increased the first point of contact resolution from 36% to 80% meaning that customer enquiries were being resolved without having to transfer calls to other officers. Challenges for the team included continuing to promote and signpost digital services such as My Account.

In regard to community engagement, the Council had successfully completed several public consultation exercises such as the budget, parks and open spaces and recycling; and funding provided to community projects through the crowd funding scheme. Challenges included continuing to encourage community groups to engage with Crowd Funding, and resourcing new initiatives and consultation expectations. 

In regard to business improvement and IT, the Council had been successful in continuing digital transformation of Council processes One Teignbridge, and 14,000 MyAccount customers have registered. Challenges included encouraging the public to use on-lines forms to report issues.

The Community Safety Team worked in partnership with agencies, the police and other authorities. Successes included Suicide Intervention briefings and Safetalk training for 345 individuals from 82 organisations, supporting Turning Corners Programme, (youth gang violence) and hosting South Devon Exploitation Prevention Network in regard to County Lines and exploitation. Challenges included: possible priority and funding changes for Devon community safety partnerships; a continued threat from County Lines drug supply; and improving the youth culture.