To consider and approve the Big Economic Delivery Plan

Councillor Swinglehurst chaired the remainder of the meeting

Councillor Biggs cabinet member for economy and growth introduced the report. It noted that the Plan sets out the priorities and actions that partners across the county will focus on over the next three years to support delivery of the Herefordshire Economic Plan 2050. The plan reflects changing national and local circumstances, including the Government’s industrial strategies, housing targets, and the council’s commitment to progressing the western growth corridor and bypass proposals to support economic growth, reduce congestion, improve access to employment land and facilitate housing delivery.

Members heard that the Delivery Plan had been developed through the Economy and Place Board, bringing together representatives from business, skills, culture, community and environmental sectors. It was noted that the Board was established to strengthen partnership working across the county and ensure greater collaboration between the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The Cabinet Member explained that, while the Economic Plan established the long-term vision for the county, a delivery plan was required to provide a clear focus on short and medium-term actions. The document was described as a partnership plan rather than solely a council plan, with partners collectively committing to deliver their respective actions and contribute to the county’s economic growth.

Subject to Cabinet approval, the Delivery Plan would be finalised and published in September, with the Economy and Place Board overseeing implementation and holding partners accountable for delivery.

Thanks were expressed to all those involved in developing the plan, including the members of the Economy and Place Board and the chairs of the Skills Board and Business Growth Board for their leadership and contributions.

Comments from cabinet members:

Members welcomed the progress made in developing and bringing forward the Economic Delivery Plan and recognised the significant contribution of the Cabinet Member in advancing the county’s growth and skills agenda. Particular recognition was given to his commitment to tertiary education, including support for initiatives aimed at increasing training opportunities and retaining young people within the county.

It was noted that providing access to education, skills development, well-paid employment and affordable housing is essential to supporting long-term economic growth and encouraging young people to build their futures in Herefordshire. Members also acknowledged the valuable contribution of partner organisations in supporting these objectives and delivering the wider ambitions of the Economic Plan.

A member welcomed the focus of the Economic Delivery Plan on the needs and ambitions of the county as a whole, rather than solely those of the council. It was noted that Herefordshire has a significant opportunity to create the conditions for long-term economic growth by improving access to education, skills and higher-paid employment opportunities.

Members highlighted the importance of retaining young people within the county by providing pathways into education, training and well-paid careers, reducing the need for them to leave the area to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The role of infrastructure investment in supporting economic growth and enabling delivery of the ambitions set out in the Economic Plan was also recognised.

The Cabinet Member and those involved in developing the plan were commended for their work in bringing the Delivery Plan forward.

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

The Green Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

It was noted that the Economic Plan had been refreshed through the new three-year Delivery Plan and reflected on the importance of maintaining focus on delivery and reporting against the plan’s objectives. While concerns were expressed about aspects of the previous approach and the extent of engagement with young people, it was acknowledged that the Delivery Plan contains a number of positive measures.

The importance of ensuring that economic development benefits both the economy and the environment was highlighted, together with the need to create high-value, well-paid employment opportunities for residents. The opportunity to build on the Delivery Plan and support its successful implementation was welcomed.

The representative for Independents for Herefordshire outlined the views of their group and raised that:

A member welcomed the Delivery Plan and noted a number of positive aspects, particularly its continued alignment with the long-term vision for Herefordshire as a modern rural county. Members highlighted several encouraging economic indicators, including the county’s strong tourism offer, high visitor spend, strong labour market performance and relatively high proportion of high-growth businesses.

It was observed that the plan is a partnership document rather than solely a council initiative, and the importance of collaborative working in delivering economic growth was emphasised. Members noted that key themes within the plan included business growth, infrastructure, housing and skills development.

Concerns were raised regarding the challenges of delivering major housing growth and supporting infrastructure, with recognition that these ambitions would require significant investment and partnership support. The importance of sustainable growth was also highlighted, including retaining businesses and skilled workers within the county and strengthening education and skills opportunities to support future economic prosperity.

The council’s role as a facilitator in bringing partners together and enabling growth was recognised, noting that successful delivery of the plan would depend on strong partnership working across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The Liberal Democrat Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

A member reflected on the role of local authorities in supporting economic development, noting that councils are often most effective when they facilitate and enable growth rather than attempting to lead it directly. It was observed that removing barriers to development and creating the right conditions for businesses to succeed can be a significant contribution in itself.

Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of NMITE and its potential long-term contribution to the county’s economy. Members noted that the institution is helping to educate and retain talented young people who may become future entrepreneurs, business leaders and skilled professionals, thereby supporting economic growth within Herefordshire. While acknowledging the challenges faced by the institution since its establishment, it was suggested that its benefits are increasingly becoming evident and may deliver significant opportunities for the county in the years ahead.

The True Independents Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

Not present.

In response to the comments made:

The Cabinet Member explained that the governance arrangements underpinning the Economic Delivery Plan had been deliberately designed to bring together key partners while remaining manageable and focused. Representatives on the Economy and Place Board act as conduits for wider stakeholder groups, gathering and feeding in views from across their respective sectors and networks.

Members heard that the Skills Board had developed into a strong collaborative forum, bringing together organisations including education providers, employers and government agencies to identify skills needs and gaps within the county.

Work had been undertaken to better understand pathways from education into employment, align training provision with employer demand and ensure businesses are equipped to support young people entering the workforce. It was acknowledged that there may be further opportunities to strengthen the voice of young people within these arrangements.

The Cabinet Member highlighted a range of achievements already delivered or in progress, including the establishment of the Business Growth Board and Skills Board, progress at Skylon Park, the introduction of apprenticeship awards, development of the county tourism destination programme, business engagement forums, commissioning discussions with local organisations, and the implementation of inward investment initiatives to promote Herefordshire as a destination for business growth and investment.

Particular recognition was given to the contribution of partners, businesses and stakeholders who had helped drive these initiatives forward through collaborative working. Members noted that the Delivery Plan had been developed in response to partner feedback, providing a focused three-year programme of action to support delivery of the longer-term Economic Plan 2050.

It was emphasised that the Delivery Plan provides a clear framework for delivery and accountability over the next three years and will also provide a foundation for future administrations to review progress and develop subsequent delivery plans in support of the county's long-term economic ambitions.

The Deputy Leader of the Council concluded the discussions. Cllr Biggs proposed the recommendations, Cllr Swinglehurst seconded. The Deputy Leader directed that the decision to be put before Cabinet is:

That Cabinet:

a)    Consider and approve the Big Economic Delivery Plan

b)    To delegate to the Director for Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, the ability to make any final minor amendments to the Economic Delivery Plan in finalising for publication

c)    To delegate to the Director for Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, any operational decisions required to implement the Plan.

The recommendations were unanimously approved.