Minutes 30 June 2023

REDDITCH TOWNS DEAL BOARD – 30^th JUNE 2023, 9.30 AM

Notes of the Meeting

Present: Cllr Matt Dormer, Peter Carpenter, Ruth Bamford, Pete Sugg, Joshua Godfrey (virtual), Julia Breakwell, Muj Rahman, Ostap Paparega, Shane Carroll, Adrian Field

In attendance: Susan Tasker (notes/virtually)

Apologies: Kevin Dicks, Claire Felton, David Mitchell, Annette Daly, Jane Doyle, Anne-Marie Harley, Clayton Maponga, Simon Geraghty, Georgina Harris, Gary Woodman, Penny Unwin

1.	VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM IOT Nicky Burke and Marie from Birmingham IOT joined the Board as they were hosting the meeting. They explained what they can do, in partnership and there was discussion about how it works, students, benefits, who pays what etc.
2.	NOTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Agreed as a true record.
3.	CHAIR Cllr Dormer chaired today’s meeting. It was agreed that a new chair (and vice chair) needs to be recruited, ideally a local business/private sector person; but in the interim it should continue as Kevin and revisit this at the next meeting. Matt said we need to seek more independent board members and providing a broader range of people.	Next Agenda Ostap
4.	PROJECT UPDATE An update was provided as per the agenda papers. There has been good expression of interest and next step is to move to tender/ procurement. Positive to see the names of those expressing interest – good experience etc. Started to discuss who is invited, ensuring all data collated to make it a robust process. Need to document this. Shane would follow up on the blue light/temporary relocation to get an update on current position. Matt asked whether there is an option to co-locate in the hub. Need contact at the Court – Josh to speak to Rachel Maclean to have discussion with MOJ minister to identify right person to help progress this move at speed.	Shane Shane Josh
4.a	Library WCC decision is now tabled for 20th July and Shane is looking at the project plan as it is now high risk if there is slippage in the decision and completion date. Pete said he had been to a conference on Towns Deal and nationally slippage was the biggest issue/risk. Shane said we will evidence this with an audit trail. Outlined the timeline of completion of Community Hub and impact of slippage re library decision. Currently anticipate 15-month window to get all the work done which is very challenging. Pete suggested if there is any risk of judicial review/challenge after WCC decision on 20^th July and if necessary, go back to DLUC to discuss it with them.
4.b	Public Realm Concern that everything will end up happening at once and not spaced out. Shane said we are conscious about this and potential overspend/funding gap. Ruth mentioned anticipated S106 monies. Need to be very clear what funding is for each area – a ‘location plan’.	Shane
4.c	Community Hub Peter said the NHS will be moving in by the end of next month and will arrange a visit. Meeting next week with all interested parties to agree plans/designs at Town Hall (assuming Library move in). Soft market testing for tenders – one delay is nobody replied in time as they want more clarity. Feedback ‘was no reason they couldn’t go ahead’. Pete proposed that there is a special meeting of Towns Deal Board on 21^st July (1 pm) to consider County’s decision.	Pete Susan
4.d	Railway Station Ruth said the planning application to the Committee is due to be lodged in September. Public consultation starting now. There is some pre-app application comms. Working now formally with WCC so the application submitted is something all are happy with. Matt said the wider view needs to be thought about and need to address the old buildings that could then spoil the view and so in keeping with new buildings – various opportunities. Pete said we are waiting for WCC to come back about funding to look at what we can do jointly. Matt urged all Board members to engage with the consultation. Discussed Muj’s work and agreed to tie together what can be done to provide added value; including Mary (conservation officer). Matt said Kelly is also arranging a walk around and will invite him to invite Muj. Pete and Ostap have meeting with DLUC – most areas satisfactory, need to look at declarations of interest (recheck the register that it is up to date), counter fraud (seeking clarity). Procurement was the weakest area – relationship between WCC/RBC – need to ask WCC for contractor documents. It is asking very detailed/in depth questions. Ruth said the land around the church is owned by the faculty; so that could be subject to different procurement. Lack of understand (by DLUC) that public realm is WCC function. Pete explained that we have been asked for examples of subsidy issues to help form changes to government rules/policy.	ALL Muj/Ruth Matt
5.	UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND Nothing to add to note/message sent out by Georgina with agenda.
6.	ANY OTHER BUSINESS None.
7.	DATE OF NEXT MEETING Special meeting on 21^st July and next Board meeting on 24^th August – hold at Town Hall for visit around the NHS part of building.