Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed all members to the meeting, and invited those present to introduce themselves.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Simon Brierley, Graham Baldwin, and Derry Crorken.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting, any matters arising,  and confirm them as a true record.

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.

To declare any conflicts of interest.

A conflict of interest arises where a Board Member, a close associate, immediate family, business, organisation or employer has an interest in a matter which is the same as, connected to or may be affected by the matter under discussion.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider any items of business that having arisen since the publication of the agenda cannot reasonably be deferred until the next scheduled meeting.

There were no additional items of business.

Kate Ingram provided a brief update indicating that the programme assurance documentation has been submitted to DHLUC. Economic Development consultancy firm Genecon has been appointed to support the Board to develop the Long-Term Plan and associated documentation, and all necessary social media platforms have been established.

PS Research provided an interim update on the public engagement it is undertaking on behalf of the Town Board.

Public engagement on the Burnley Long Term Plan had started on Tuesday 19th March through the launch of an online survey, dedicated website, and social media channels.

There were 7 pop-up events in the community, engaging people and starting conversations at: Community Ifthar, Indoor Market, Artisan Market, St Peters Centre, Downtown, Burnley College and UCLan.

A wide range of engagement was shown over the 4-week period, 1,734 people engaged so far with 650 of these being local residents and 279 being local employees.

The consultation was due to finish on Monday 21st April, so a final detailed report would be compiled and presented to the Board once all responses were received.

Lukman reminded members of the pre-election period publicity guidance in relation to consultations during the election period.

The Board resolved to support further engagement by making a small pot of funding available to support community groups to assist in engagement in areas or communities where engagement had been limited or would help inform future decision making.