To consider and agree the draft economic development strategy for recommendation to Council.

The cabinet member for economy and corporate services introduced the report. He thanked all who had contributed and given feedback on the strategy. He reported that consultation had taken place in all the market towns apart from Kington and with key local partners. The general overview and scrutiny committee had commented on the strategy and a summary of its recommendations was included as an appendix to the report. The cabinet member stressed that engagement with partners would continue after the adoption of the strategy.

The cabinet member explained that the strategy was composed of two parts, the economic vision and the pitchbook. He stated that the strategy was deliberately aspirational and recognised the need to attract private sector investment.

The chief executive reported that he had regular meetings with major employers in the county. He stated that during a recent meeting with one such company the desire for a clear vision for Herefordshire had been clearly expressed. Companies wanted to see opportunities for investment identified and schemes promoted to attract people to live and work in Herefordshire.

The cabinet member for economy and corporate services highlighted a number of projects that the council had already supported and the impact they had had. He stated that the list of projects in the strategy would change and develop over time. The strategy was aspirational and it had to be recognised that some projects might not ultimately be delivered.

The economic development manager explained that the proposed strategy had built on the previous iteration covering the period 2011 to 2016, with a shift to looking at opportunities for private sector investment. The new strategy would help the council to share and promote its priorities to key partners. There would be ongoing engagement with investors and the community. The economic development manager stated that all specific council funding referred to in the strategy had previously been before cabinet or full council.

A scrutiny chair commented that the council appeared to have largely withdrawn from the tourism sector in the county, leaving other agencies to take the lead. The economic development manager stated that the council continued to work with partners on developing the tourism sector, particularly on securing investment to deliver new elements.

A scrutiny chair asked what options were being considered for development of rail travel in the county, highlighting the level of service at Leominster station. The economic development manager stated that the council was working with partner agencies to deliver improvements to rail services such as investment in the car parking provision at Leominster station.

A scrutiny chair asked what would happen if the government did not deliver the required funding for the university project. The economic development manager responded that contingencies were being put in place. The chief executive added that he expected the position on the university to become clear in the near future and remained optimistic that the government funding would be secured.

A group leader stated that the council should give support to start-ups and small  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66