Agenda item

The Board considered an update report and presentation on the evidence base and consultation process developed to support the Lincoln Town Fund application.

Since the last meeting of the Lincoln Town Deal Board a number of key areas of work in respect of the evidence base had been undertaken, which included:

·         some initial analysis on the impact of the coronavirus on the Lincoln economy;

·         the completion of the draft Central Lincolnshire Economic Needs Assessment;

·         testing the priorities identified through the evidence base and work of the delivery group through the Citizens’ Panel via an online survey;

·         the development of priorities and the incorporation of the evidence gathered to date into a draft Transformation Plan format.

It was reported that the country was still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and the full extent of its economic impact was yet to unfold. However, work had been undertaken to conduct an analysis of unemployment and furlough rates in Lincoln and other Lincolnshire districts to identify initial trends. This was illustrated in a graph and table within the report and indicated a significant increase in claims across the county, with 9,000 new unemployment claimants. Lincoln had the second highest number of claimants after East Lindsey, although the rate of change was lower than other districts as Lincoln started from a relatively high base of claimants. Further analysis by age suggested that the claimant rate increase had been highest amongst those aged 25-29 than for those aged 16-24 and over 50.

The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce had conducted a study to identify local authority districts that were most at risk of job loses based on rates of jobs furloughed. This was based on findings from the Office of National Statistics Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey which identified the proportion of workforce that had been furloughed amongst a sample of different sectors. Analysis of this data suggested that Lincoln, along with Boston, had the lowest proportion of jobs at risk in Lincolnshire. Further details of the analysis relating to unemployment and furloughing was included within the report.

It was reported that the Council had intended to consult with stakeholders on the evidence and emerging proposals for the Town Deal at its Growth Conference on 11 March 2020. Following the decision to postpone this event, the Council sought the views of delegates and the wider community via a digital survey and follow-up interviews where requested. 212 responses were received from a demographically representative panel of 811 residents of the city of Lincoln. The first section of the survey had focused on the relative importance of the Town Fund themes, which provided the following results:

·         connectivity, including digital – 43%

·         urban regeneration – 29%

·         skills and enterprise – 28%

A review of connectivity themes identified the following concepts as being of highest interest:

·         invest in a sustainable transport infrastructure;

·         develop the Living Lab idea;

·         grow investment in digital technology to improve service delivery.

It was also noted that 16% of all comments received as part of the survey related to the environment which introduced a new dynamic that would need to be reflected as part of the Town Deal.

A more detailed analysis of the responses received to the survey was set out in the report, together with an update on the Draft Central Lincolnshire Economic Needs Assessment and the Draft Transformation Plan for the Lincoln Town Deal.

In terms of next steps, the evidence base would be key to developing and underpinning the Town Investment Plan which would form an essential part of the Town Fund application. The evidence demonstrated good knowledge and understanding of the city and further work would be undertaken to reflect upon the latest guidance when it became available.

At this stage, due to the impact of the coronavirus and lockdown on businesses, it had not been possible to fully engage with the business community. However, interviews with key stakeholders had taken place which formed a really strong base to work from.

Lord Cormack highlighted the devastating impact the coronavirus was having on the heritage sector in Lincoln, with no tourism and, consequently, no income being generated at the city’s key heritage assets. He added that Lincoln had to continue to be a city built on its history and that it was imperative that this was safeguarded. It was agreed that a range of sectors had been significantly affected by the outbreak and that as businesses and organisations started to re-open in response to the easing of lockdown restrictions, an essential aspect would be to ensure that people were confident that they would be safe when re-engaging.

It was RESOLVED that the report and presentation be noted.