The meeting began with a farewell to Michelle Brooks, who has been clerking the committee for several years. The main topics discussed included the pre-election period and its impact on council operations, the approval of previous meeting minutes, and the implementation of the Gravity Enterprise Zone via the Gravity Local Investment Plan.

Pre-Election Period

The council is in a pre-election period, formerly known as purdah, which means that council business cannot interfere with or influence how residents will vote. The restrictions outlined in the Local Government Act 1986 and the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity were emphasized.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

The minutes from the meeting held on May 8, 2024, were approved. It was noted that there were some confidential items within those minutes, and if anyone wanted to raise those items, the meeting would have to go into a confidential session.

Gravity Enterprise Zone

Overview

Councillor Rose White introduced the Gravity Enterprise Zone via the Gravity Local Investment Plan. This report is the third stage in delivering the enterprise zone. The proposed investment is significant, with an initial £55 million followed by £150 million. The investment aims to deliver benefits in the short and medium term for the council.

Investment and Risks

The investment is divided into two phases: an initial £55 million followed by £150 million. The Gravity Local Investment Plan focuses on movement, skills, and business opportunities across the county. The plan has been through corporate resources scrutiny and is dependent on finalizing a £55 million grant from the Department of Business and Trade and securing a 10-year extension to the enterprise zone from DEDUCT.

Themes and Benefits

The Gravity Locality Investment Plan focuses on several themes identified through close working with the investor. These themes aim to support the delivery of the advanced manufacturing facility, make the site more attractive to future occupiers, and realize benefits locally and to the wider Somerset community. Proposed themes include necessary infrastructure, active travel requirements, and support for the workforce and supply chains.

Financial and Risk Management

The council has commissioned a viability assessment and business case, jointly with Agritas. The Department of Business and Trade is also working on a subsidy control assessment to ensure compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022. Funding applications for individual projects will be submitted by the investor, accompanied by a business case compliant with the Treasury's Green Book. All funding agreements will include relevant clawback clauses and monitoring mechanisms.

Council and Community Impact

The investment is expected to deliver 4,000 direct jobs in a green industry of the future and act as a catalyst to transform Somerset. Concerns were raised about the impact on the housing market and the need for sufficient school places. The council is working on various measures to address these issues, including discussions about motorway junctions and potential railway links.

Other Discussions

Housing and Employment

Councillor Dodge raised concerns about the impact on the housing market, given the existing housing crisis in Somerset. Councillor Day emphasized the importance of ensuring employment and skills opportunities are opened up to other colleges, schools, and training centers across Somerset.

Energy and Infrastructure

Councillor Dodge also questioned the £45 million investment for the initial energy connection and infrastructure, expressing concern about the amount for what appears to be a temporary connection before the substation is built.

School and College Engagement

Councillor Jill Slo raised the importance of forging links with secondary schools and upper-tier secondary schools to inform young people about the skills needed for future opportunities at the Gravity site.

Recommendations and Approvals

The council approved the detailed financial governance arrangements, noted the Gravity Locality Investment Plan, and agreed to the investment priorities. The council also recommended adding the Gravity scheme to the capital program and updating the Treasury Management Strategy.

Water Quality in Somerset

The council discussed water quality in Somerset, focusing on the research underway to understand nutrient pollution sources on the Somerset Levels and Moors. The council does not have a statutory responsibility for water quality but is working with various partners to address the issue.

Recommendations from Scrutiny Committee

The Scrutiny Committee made several recommendations, including removing the 20% buffer in the Somerset phosphate calculator, reviewing the quantum of phosphates entering the Somerset Levels and Moors, and conducting an urgent review of the entire nutrient neutrality policy. The council emphasized the importance of following Natural England's advice and the legal requirements to ensure no additional nutrient loading from new developments.

Corporate Management Report

The council reviewed the corporate management report, noting concerns about staff sickness levels and the need for a more comprehensive corporate performance framework. The report highlighted the importance of integrating budget monitoring, strategic risk monitoring, and internal audit into the performance reporting process.

Improvement and Transformation Program

The council received an update on the Improvement and Transformation Program, noting progress and the need for continued focus on service-level impacts and risk management. The council emphasized the importance of engaging with staff and the community to ensure the successful implementation of the program.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with a reminder that the next executive meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2024.