Agenda item

2.1  That the performance of SUR for 19/20 as set out in Section 5.4 of the report be noted;

2.2  That the performance targets for SUR for 2020/21 as set out in Section 5.11 to 5.14 of the report be agreed; and to note the intention for SUR Board to review KPI’s for this period.

2.3  Subject to 2.2, that the Partnership Business Plan for the period to 2025 be agreed.

The Interim Director of Regeneration introduced a report that updated the Cabinet on Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) and sought approval of the Partnership Business Plan for 2020/21.

The Appendix containing the Partnership Business Plan was in Part II of the agenda, but was considered during Part I without disclosing any of the exempt information.

SUR performance in 2019/20 was summarised and it was noted that 78% of the projects were rated ‘green’ or ‘amber’.  The key projects for the coming year included the Old Library Site due to complete in April 2021, progressing planning on the Stoke Wharf and Montem Lane sites and continuing to deliver new housing as part of the Small Sites strategy.  The Cabinet welcomed the fact that SUR was one of most successful Local Asset Backed Vehicles of its type in the country and it had a track record of delivering a range of projects and financial returns to the Council.

Speaking under Rule 30, Councillor Strutton asked whether Covid-19 would delay construction projects and have a detrimental financial impact to the Council.  It was noted that the Old Library Site project had been ahead of schedule and was due to be completed on time even after taking into account the impact of Covid-19.  There were uncertainties arising from Covid-19 to future housing and property markets, but the outlook for other SUR projects was being continually assessed and remained positive at this stage.

At the conclusion of the discussion the report was noted and Partnership Business Plan for 2020/21 was approved.

Resolved –

(a)  That the performance of SUR for 19/20 as set out in Section 5.4 of the report be noted;

(b)  That the performance targets for SUR for 2020/21 as set out in Section 5.11 to 5.14 of the report be agreed; and to note the intention for SUR Board to review KPI’s for this period.

(c)  That the Partnership Business Plan for the period to 2025 be agreed.