It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Conservative Group, the membership of the Board had been amended to include Councillor Addis in place of Councillor Kingscote.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bent and Hytche.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meetings of the Board held on  21 May 2014.

The minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 21 May 2014 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the Energy and Climate Change Strategy 2014-2019 and give its views to the Council.

The Board considered the draft Energy and Climate Change Strategy that was currently subject to consultation.  It was noted that the Strategy outlined ten policies including a carbon reduction target for both the community and the Council.  It was also noted that having the Strategy in place would enable the Council to attract funding.

During the course of the debate, the Board heard how the Council was working under the banner of Cosy Devon to improve the energy efficiency of private rented properties within Torbay.

Resolved:  that it be recommended to the Council that the draft Energy and Climate Change Strategy should include an action plan to underpin the Strategy which identifies the core issues which the local authority should be tackling.

To receive a progress update on the Economic Strategy 2013–2018.

At the request of members, the Board received a report on the progress being made against the Torbay Economic Strategy.  The actions within the Strategy were grouped under four priorities with Board members asking a range of questions around “raising skill levels”.  Information was shared about the Torbay Works programme, developing a demand for labour and encouraging apprenticeships.

The Board also questioned the Torbay Growth Fund and how the outcomes from that Fund were being measured.

The Board requested that future reports include how preventing worklessness is being explored, tangible outcomes from Torbay Growth Fund and the strategy for improving the numbers of apprentices.

To consider the Community Safety Commercial Team Service Plan for 2014/2015 and to give any views to the Council.

The Board considered a report which set out the Commercial Team Service Plan incorporating the Food Safety Service Plan.  The Commercial Team Service Plan set out the current work plan of the Team which includes the functions of Food Safety, Trading Standards, Licensing, Health and Safety and Emergency Planning.

The Board noted that the Business Unit continues to prioritise its workload based on risk and will always target first those businesses, activities, emergencies and disease outbreaks considered to be of the highest risk.  Whilst its resilience to continue to deliver its full range of statutory duties and meet customer expectations, within the resources allocated, remains under significant strain, the Board was pleased to note that significant improvements had been made from 12 months ago.  The target of inspecting 50% of Category C food premises had been exceeded (and was currently at 70%) and it was hoped that 100% of those premises would be inspected this year, resources and workloads allowing.

The Board asked that their thanks be passed on to the Commercial Services Team.