Issue - meetings

This paper sets out the challenges facing Epsom and Ewell’s local economy as a result of COVID-19 and the positive action being taken by the Council to support the road to economic recovery.

Following consideration, it was resolved that the Committee:

(1)      Noted the challenges facing Epsom and Ewell’s economy as a result of COVID-19 and its aftermath;

(2)      Confirmed its support for the range of actions set out in the report being taken by the Council to support local businesses and the wider economy with the process of recovery.

The Committee received a report setting out the challenges facing Epsom and Ewell’s local economy as a result of COVID-19 and highlighting the positive action being taken by the Council to support the road to economic recovery.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Work to support the local economy. Following a question from a Member, the Committee was informed that the Council was utilising its existing resources wherever possible in its work to support the local economy, such as the High Street Task Force, High Street Marshalls and increased communications. The Committee was also informed that the Government had provided funding via one off grants and an income compensation scheme which enabled Councils to claim back a proportion of their lost income.

b)            Impact of end in temporary ban on residential eviction. Following a question from a Member, it was noted that information relating to the number of people presenting to the Council as homeless following the end of the Government’s temporary ban on residential eviction would be circulated to all Members of the Committee following the meeting.

c)            Thank you to staff. The Committee thanked the Council’s officers for their excellent work in supporting the Borough over a range of areas during the pandemic, with particular reference to those staff who were operating in new areas of work.

d)            Evaluation of changes to footway, northern side of High Street. Following a question from a Member, it was noted that changes to the northern side of side of Epsom High Street were the responsibility of Surrey County Council. The impact of the changed arrangements would continue to be monitored.

e)            Use of European Union Regional Development Fund monies. Following a question from a Member, the Chief Operating Officer informed the Committee that there were a number of restrictive rules and requirements for accessing ERDF funds which made it very challenging to utilise, and that this view had been expressed by other authorities nationally. There were also significant risks associated with accessing the funds, as they could potentially be clawed-back if there were any errors in any of the processes followed to access it. The focus of the Fund was to support marketing and communications activities, which the Council was continuing to do, making use of the Fund where appropriate.

f)             Local shopping parades. The Committee was informed that all the shopping parades in the Borough were visited by the Council’s High Street Task Force. Information about the work undertaken by the Task Force would be included in future editions of Members Update.

Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that the Committee:

(1)      Noted the challenges facing Epsom and Ewell’s economy as a result of COVID-19 and its aftermath;

(2)      Confirmed its support for the range of actions set out in the report being taken by the Council to support local businesses and the wider economy with the process of recovery.