Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – PLACE

To outline the Council’s proposed Place Narrative for North Herts.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved the North Herts Place Narrative.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   Despite being a district since 1974, North Hertfordshire has no clear identity and needs a point of differentiation within the county. This will help North Herts stand out as the place to invest, live, visit and work in Hertfordshire.

(2)   Currently, the Council and its partners are all telling different stories about North Herts which leads to fragmented communications. A joined up and coherent approach in the future will have greater impact, generate greater engagement and raise the profile of North Herts the place.

Audio recording – 1:21:45

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis presented the report entitled ‘North Herts Place Narrative’ and advised:

·         Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered and referred this report. Overall the Committee was positive on the report and there was good feedback and scrutiny around the organisations that were involved in the Place Narrative.

·         Royston BID did not feed into this report as they were unavailable, however the new manager would be consulted.

·         Local councillors and representatives from arts and community groups in Royston also provided an input.

·         The idea of having a Place Narrative came from an LGA Peer Review pre-Covid.

·         Having a Place Narrative would make a place exist and sell the story of the area.

·         The branding for the place narrative was strong and was without Council and political party colours.

·         Partners were happy to work with the Council to sell the Place Narrative, and the Communications Team would lead on the work.

Councillor Ruth Brown advised a director from Royston BID did attend a focus group.

Councillor Keith Hoskins commented that the Place Narrative was a great piece of work.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Keith Hoskins seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet approved the North Herts Place Narrative.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)  Despite being a district since 1974, North Hertfordshire has no clear identity and needs a point of differentiation within the county. This will help North Herts stand out as the place to invest, live, visit and work in Hertfordshire.

(2)  Currently, the Council and its partners are all telling different stories about North Herts which leads to fragmented communications. A joined up and coherent approach in the future will have greater impact, generate greater engagement and raise the profile of North Herts the place.