To receive an update on the Government’s Future High Streets Fund which is aimed at making improvements to our town centres.

The Board received an update on the work that was progressing to prepare and submit a bid for a share of the Future High Streets Fund.  It was noted that the bid was being prepared for Paignton as it was felt that this would represent the greatest opportunity to secure positive change but the least likely to secure private sector investment.

A range of consultation and engagement activities were planned ahead of the expression of interest being submitted and, if successful at that stage, there would be ongoing community engagement as the Business Case was prepared.

To receive an update in respect of the Local Education Board and Education attainment.

The Board received a presentation from the Assistant Director – Education Learning and Skills on the role of the Local Education Board and how it was seeking to ensure that Torbay’s young people were achieving the best that they could.

The achievements of the Board to date were highlighted, in particular the preparation of a Disadvantage Strategy and associated action plan which was due to be considered by the Elected Mayor in March 2019.  The removal of the disadvantage gap would be the priority of the Local Education Board over the coming year.

To receive an update on the actions taken to address the findings in the Ofsted Monitoring Letter.

The Director of Children’s Services attended the meeting to provide an update to the Board on the work that was continuing following the Ofsted Monitoring Visit in January 2019.  She explained there was a focus on increasing the capacity within certain teams in order to reduce workloads.

The Board asked that quarterly updates continue to be provided.