Agenda item

-      Report of the HS2 Scrutiny Project Group

6:15pm to 6:30pm

HS2 Scrutiny Project Group

Lead Member of the project, Councillor Flood, presented the report of the scrutiny project group and asked Members to approve the recommendations and delegate authority to amend the wording of a recommendation to include reference to Local Enterprise Partnerships.

The scope for the project was approved by the OPSF on 27 June, 2017. The scope set out the aims of the project group which were to ensure the Council worked in partnership with others to ensure a joined up cohesive approach to future changes and to contribute to a shared vision for the opportunities that the HS2 development would bring to the borough and the wider area.

RESOLVED –

1.   That the recommendations of the Scrutiny Project Group’s review of HS2, as detailed below, be approved to be recommended to Cabinet:

                     i.        That a Skills Scrutiny Project Group be established.

                    ii.        That the Skills Scrutiny Project Group examine how schools are proposing to work in partnership with the National Rail College and other education providers to better equip pupils to enter the work place.

                   iii.        That the Enterprise and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee obtain a report from the Skills Scrutiny Project Group regarding the impact of mental health issues affecting the employability of 18-24 year olds.

                  iv.        That the number and impact of Local labour Agreements in maximising opportunities for growth of jobs connected with HS2 be monitored.

                   v.        That the Skills Scrutiny Project Group encourage the East Midlands Councils to lobby HS2 Ltd to include specific recommendations for the employment of Ex-Armed Forces personnel with relevant skills in their Local Labour Agreements.

                  vi.        That a report be brought to Overview and Performance Scrutiny Forum before and after the Hybrid Bill has passed and the report will include detail on delivery bodies and infrastructure plans.

                 vii.        That a report be brought to Overview and Performance Scrutiny Forum after the Hybrid Bill has passed to address how evolving effects on properties will be monitored and include plans for dealing the negative impacts of construction work on the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot spur, including traffic management.

               viii.        That an annual report be brought to the Overview and Performance Scrutiny Forum about the progress of the cohesive approach between the Council and partners.

                  ix.        That coordinated and overarching Public Relations be put in place to minimise the negative impacts of HS2 and to ensure that residents are kept fully informed about the mitigating process taking place.

                   x.        That the way social media and digital innovation is used to improve communications and reinforce the positive impacts of HS2 be monitored.

                  xi.        That a report be brought to the Enterprise and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee on the plans and progress of the construction phase and remediation of the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot site to ensure scrutiny monitoring of the process. 

                 xii.        That the HS2 Scrutiny Project Group support the development of a Visitor Economy Strategy.

               xiii.        That continuing Cabinet Member and Officer support for any future adhoc Scrutiny input relating to HS2 be provided.

               xiv.        That further consideration be given to the need to have new HS2 specific Scrutiny Project Groups after the Hybrid Bill and following further work up to 2022. It is considered essential that future reports on transport and highways, Local Enterprise Partnerships, housing, health and wellbeing and the Local Plan include HS2 as an integral part of all considerations.