Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director of Community Development, updating the Area Committee on progress with the development of Town Investment Plans (TIPs) for Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge, with details on the emerging Harrogate and Knaresborough TIP vision and priority projects, consultation evidence and project prioritisation work and ongoing engagement in Boroughbridge.

The Committee received an update on the development of Town Investment Plans (TIPs) for Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge, setting out progress to date, emerging priorities and ongoing stakeholder engagement.  The report explained that TIPs form part of the Council’s Economic Growth Strategy and provide a coordinated, place-based framework to guide regeneration, investment and future funding bids across the area.  Work to date has focused on developing a shared vision, gathering consultation evidence, and identifying and prioritising potential projects, with collaboration across public, private and community partners central to the process.  The TIPs are intended to inform business cases and support long-term decision-making, with the overall aim of promoting economic growth, improving quality of life and enabling towns and their surrounding areas to thrive.

In discussing the update on the Town Investment Plans (TIPs), Members sought clarification on progress, governance and next steps, particularly in relation to the Harrogate plan.  Officers advised that work had commenced with a programme of consultation, including workshops and an online survey which had generated significant engagement, with approximately 600 responses.  This feedback, alongside the available evidence base, was being used to develop an emerging vision and identify potential projects.  It was noted that these projects were at an early stage and would require further internal assessment, alignment with existing programmes and, where appropriate, coordination with the Mayoral Combined Authority.  It was indicated that further work on refining priorities would be undertaken over the coming months, with wider public engagement planned for September 2026 to seek views on proposed priorities.

Members placed significant emphasis on governance, ownership and stakeholder involvement as the plans progressed.  It was noted that engagement had taken place with local stakeholders including the Town Council, BID and business groups, and that further collaboration with community organisations would be central to shaping the final plan and securing wider buy-in.  However, concerns were raised regarding overall ownership of the completed plan and clarity around decision-making responsibilities, particularly in relation to the respective roles of the Council, elected Members, advisory groups and external partners.  Members highlighted the need for the plan to reflect local priorities and for elected representatives to retain appropriate oversight and accountability.  Questions were also raised regarding transparency, including the composition and role of the Programme Board and Advisory Group, and the importance of clearly communicating how stakeholders were being engaged.

Further discussion focused on delivery, coordination and funding.  Members highlighted the need to avoid silo working across Council services and partner organisations, emphasising the importance of aligning related areas such as tourism, infrastructure and parking.  Officers advised that work was underway to assess the deliverability of proposed projects, including engagement with internal departments and the development of a strong evidence base to support future funding bids.  It was noted that a large number of initial project ideas were being carefully reviewed to identify a smaller number of realistic and deliverable schemes, supported by clear criteria.  Members emphasised that the basis on which projects were prioritised would be critical to maintaining confidence in the process.  The relationship between TIPs and other local initiatives, including emerging community partnerships, was also highlighted, with assurance that projects outside the scope of the TIP would be signposted to relevant groups to ensure no opportunities were lost.

It was further noted that similar considerations would apply across the wider area, including Knaresborough and Boroughbridge, and that heritage assets such as Knaresborough Castle should be recognised within the wider strategic context.  It was agreed that additional recommendations be included to seek clarity on governance arrangements, including ownership of the TIP and the hierarchy of decision-making, and to emphasise the need to avoid silo working and promote coordinated delivery.  It was also agreed that ownership and accountability for the finished plans should be debated locally in the context of wider devolution and decision-making arrangements.

Resolved:  That the report be noted, and that further information be requested regarding the governance and oversight of the TIPs for a future report to the Committee.