Minutes:
The Elected Mayor thanked the committee for the opportunity to present her Annual Report, share her priorities for the year ahead and to reflect on the achievements that had been made over the previous year.
The Elected Mayor stated that responding to the challenges of the pandemic had provided an opportunity to look at the way in which services were delivered and to make changes that were better for residents and to build an even better North Tyneside. Thanks was expressed to Elected Members and officers for their hard work, dedication, support and commitment to the organisation.
Following the pandemic and in light of the changes in service delivery, the Council Plan had been refreshed, in consultation with residents and other key stakeholders. The plan now focused on five themes:
· A thriving North Tyneside
· A family-friendly North Tyneside
· A caring North Tyneside
· A secure North Tyneside
· A green North Tyneside
The Elected Mayor stated that, during these difficult times when residents are faced with a cost of living crisis, she was determined that North Tyneside is and can be:
· A place where local businesses and high streets thrive
· A place where great care is offered to those who need it
· A place where children and young people continue to receive an outstanding education and families flourish
The Council priorities included:
· Bringing more good quality jobs to North Tyneside
· Regenerating the high streets of North Shields and Wallsend
· Investing in adult education and supporting apprenticeships
· Promoting the borough’s award-winning parks, beaches, festivals and other activities
· Reducing the number of derelict properties in the borough to make it more attractive for all
· Working towards the aim of delivering 5000 affordable homes
· Continuing to invest in roads and pavements
· Helping low income households to install low-carbon heating
The Elected Mayor stated that she was looking forward to building on the Authorities successes in the coming months and years. This included:
· Through the North Shields Master Plan, a transformation of the town centre and riverside into an environment where people choose to live, work and spend their leisure time
· 131 Bedford Street and the former Globe Gallery would be brought back into use for cultural purposes in the coming year
· Construction of 29 new family housing units on the former site of Unicorn House
· A scheme for the relocation of the Ferry landing into the Western Quay had been submitted for funding from Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund
· Funding from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership to prepare a Masterplan for Wallsend. The plan focused on modernisation along the High Street including retail and residential properties
· More affordable homes and a new health centre as part of the regeneration of Wallsend Town Centre
The Elected Mayor highlighted the fantastic programme of outdoor events for Summer 2022 which included a Platinum Jubilee celebration and baton relay for her late Majesty the Queen. The Mouth of Tyne festival was once again a huge success, attracting over 100,000 people to the area across a weekend in July.
Other key highlights and events across the year included:
· Blue Flag and seaside awards achieved at Kings Edwards Bay, Tynemouth Longsands and Whitley Bay beaches
· The number of long-term vacant dwellings had continued to decline, with the lowest levels in the last 7 years
· The Bread and Butter Thing continued to grow, providing residents with access to weekly food for £7.50
· Supporting volunteers to welcome Ukrainian families to the borough
· The launch of warm welcome venues in libraries and customer first centres, extending support to residents by offering hot drinks, a place to relax and an opportunity to get involved in free activities
· Delivery of the affordable homes programme which was on track to meet the ambitious 5,000 affordable homes target. The target of delivering 266 affordable homes in 2021/22 had been achieved
The Elected Mayor stated that she was looking forward to seeing even more progress in the borough and to building back an even better North Tyneside.
The Chair thanked the Elected Mayor for her presentation.
It was agreed to note the update from the Elected Mayor.