This report provides an update on the achievements of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), its revised governance structure, current board membership and priorities outlined in its Strategic Economic Plan (SEP).  It also provides a briefing on the role and purpose of the Annual Delivery Plan and its priority activities in order for the scrutiny committee to fulfil its function of making reports or recommendations to council or the cabinet on matters which affect the council's area or the inhabitants of that area.

The Committee considered an update on the achievements of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), its revised governance structure, current board membership and priorities outlined in its Strategic Economic Plan (SEP). 

The report also provided a briefing on the role and purpose of the Annual Delivery Plan and its priority activities in order for the scrutiny committee to fulfil its function of making reports or recommendations to council or the cabinet on matters which affect the council's area or the inhabitants of that area.

The Director for Economy and Place introduced the report, noting the LEP’s role, and emphasising the importance of the Council’s partnership with the LEP and the Council’s success in securing funding from the LEP.

The new Chair of the LEP introduced herself to the Committee.

The Partnership Manager then gave a presentation as appended to the agenda papers at appendix 5.

In discussion the LEP representatives responded to questions as follows:

Preparations for Brexit

The Marches Growth Hub had been positioned as the contact point for advice.  There was a Brexit tool kit on the Marches Growth Hub website.  This contained links to all relevant government advice.  A number of events were also being promoted through the growth hub, delivered by the growth hub team supported by partners providing advice.

It was understood additional government funding would be made available shortly for face to face business advice.

In terms of the future role of the LEP itself there was constant communication with the government.  The current advice was to continue with the development of the Local Industrial Strategy (LIS).  Discussions were ongoing with local authority colleagues on the possible impacts, for example on the farming sector.

The LIS was to help to plan for the future and what could be done to create new jobs and new opportunities.  European funding had helped to alleviate challenges over the last 5 years.

There was uncertainty about future economic development funding.  The LEP working with partners was monitoring developments and seeking to be in a position to respond to them.

Councillor Phillips commented, in his capacity as independent chair of the LEP European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) Committee that the government had indicated that the level of funding allocated under European funding rules would be continued until March 2023. The rural development programme had been key to the local economy and how that funding was replaced would be significant.

Support for Clean Growth

The LEP was keen to encourage and enable businesses to grow in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.

The Marches Energy Strategy referenced green energy, and carbon neutral ways of working, growing specialist battery technology and more environmentally friendly methods of energy production.

Alternative Transport Options

In terms of working to explore options and support different choices there was a Transport Officers Group under the LEP looking at opportunities for sustainable transport.  A detailed transport strategy was on the Marches LEP website. Research funding had been secured to explore joint initiatives that helped transport connectivity  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24