The following motion will be moved by the Chair:

“That, pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following items on the agenda, as it is likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant Paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of that Act”

Resolved –

          That pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of item 3 below as it was likely that there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraphs specified in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Councillor Brock / Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report seeking approval to adopt a Commercial Investment Strategy as a supplement to the previously approved Treasury Management Strategy.

The report noted that a Property Acquisitions Strategy had previously been agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 5 December  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To confirm the Minutes of the Policy Committee meetings held on 26 March, 8 April and 22 May 2019.

The Minutes of the meetings held on 26 March, 8 April and 22 May 2019 were agreed as correct records and signed by the Chair.

To receive any petitions from the public and any questions from the public and Councillors.

Questions on the following matters were submitted by members of the public:

Councillor Page / Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

This report sets out the main modifications to the Local Plan and Proposals Map suggested by the independent Planning Inspector, and seeks approval to publish those main modifications for public consultation.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report setting out the main modifications to the Local Plan and Proposals Map suggested by the independent Planning Inspector, and seeking approval to publish those main modifications for public consultation.

The report noted that the Council was replacing its existing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Councillor Page / Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

This report informs the Committee of a £4.75m grant award from the Department of Transport for Thames Valley Berkshire Live Labs project, a technological trial to help futureproof roads and transport, and seeks approval to spend the grant in accordance with the project objectives.

An updated version of this report was published on 4 June 2019.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report informing the Committee of a £4.75m grant award from the Department of Transport (DfT) through the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) for Thames Valley Berkshire Live Labs, a two-year technological trial to help futureproof  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Councillor Brock / Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

This report seeks approval to adopt the Commercial Investment Strategy as part of the overall Treasury Strategy.  The full strategy is on the agenda as a closed session item as some elements remain commercially sensitive.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the Commercial Investment Strategy.  The full version of the Strategy had been considered and approved in closed session (Minute 3 above refers) and the purpose of this report was to make information available in the public domain.  An  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Councillor Brock / Director of Resources

This report gives an update on Business Rates Reliefs awarded in 2017/18 and 2018/19 and details of the proposed Local Revaluation Discretionary Relief Scheme for 2019/20.  It also provides information regarding the change to retail relief for businesses with rateable values below £51,000 and advises no change to the Council’s Discretionary Relief Scheme for 2019/20.

The Director of Resources submitted a report providing the Committee with an update on Business Rates Reliefs awarded in 2017/18 and 2018/19 and details of the proposed Local Revaluation Discretionary Relief Scheme for 2019/20 (LRDRS).  The report also set out information on the change to retail relief for businesses with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Councillor Brock / Monitoring Officer

This report asks the Policy Committee to make appointments or nominations to outside bodies for the Municipal Year 2019/20, or longer where required.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report asking the Committee to make appointments or nominations to outside bodies for the Municipal Year 2019/20, or longer where required.  A schedule of outside body appointments showing the Group Leaders’ recommendations was tabled at the meeting.

Resolved –

(1)     That the following appointments be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.