Agenda item

Daniel Gardiner, Adviser, introduce item four.

Daniel stated that the paper provided an update on recent developments with the

Government’s Industrial Strategy and outlined proposed next steps relating to the key elements of the Industrial Strategy. The paper was introduced in three parts: Local Enterprise Partnerships, the Local Industrial Strategy and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

Daniel updated the Board on the key issues surrounding LEP geographies and the removal of overlaps. There is limited scope on the LEP review. It was discussed that the Board’s engagement with the review with LEPs has a dual focus of accountability and understanding the design for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

With regards to paragraph four, which stated the letter wrote to BEIS Secretary of State seeking urgent clarity on LEPs, a response had still not been received by the time of this Board.

All board members agreed that they are happy with the proposals offered in the report.

Local Industrial Strategy

Daniel explained that the key place-based announcement contained in the White Paper was the introduction of Local Industrial Strategies. The White Paper outlined that places in England with a Mayoral Combined Authority will have a Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) led by the mayor and supported by LEPs. However, as outlined in paragraph 12 of the report, there is a lack of clarity on key issues for councils that need to be answered.

Previous meetings with BEIS suggested that there is no dilution of members’ capacity for supporting LIS, and it is hoped that an update is before the end of the year. With this in mind, the LGA’s focus is on policy and public affairs work. The LGA proposed to focus works on the areas of ambiguity for councils outlined in 12.1-12.4 to ensure a consistent approach to the roll out of LEPs.

The LGA’s Memorandum of Understanding with MHCLG includes requirements that the LGA supports areas to develop their LIS.

Daniel introduced Phil Swann, from Shared Intelligence, to the Board to give further details on the role of councils and the areas that need to be addressed. The Chair welcomed Phil to the Board.

Phil Swann explained that it is clear that the task is to produce support for authorities in relation to the LIS and mayoral combined authorities and to help councils work effectively with their LEPs and LIS. This means supporting the roles of councils working with LEPs gaining greater clarity of what these roles entail.

Shared Intelligence are clear that the roles of councils will differ dependent on their context. For example, there are potential differences between councils in combined authorities with others and also with London Boroughs compared to others. Shared Intelligence is working with the LGA in order to complement each other’s work.

Phil Swann explained that they envisage a three phase process of work. Phil explained that they want to talk to authorities who have experienced the trail blazers to get feedback to identify with them what is working. He also stated that Shared Intelligence plan to organise learning sectors with local authorities outside the trailblaze and that findings will be published throughout the process.

The following comments were made:

-       The Chair raised the point that in some of the areas where combined authorities have dealt with LIS, the feedback has been that it is difficult to engage when there has not been any examples of best practice.

-       The Chair also raised the question of what powers do LEPs need to help deliver growth, as it is these principles that need to be addressed first before the structure of the process. It was also mentioned that other important partners such as universities and businesses need to be included and engaged.

-       Daniel Gardiner expanded on this point, and explained that in the LEP review there is a commitment to these responsibilities and what recommendations they are engaged with.

In consideration to the next steps outlined in paragraph 21, all members agreed with the proposed next steps.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Paul Green, advisor, introduced this section of the report.

Paul explained to the Board the LGA’s position in pressing the Government on the design and delivery principles to underpin the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). To further develop the LGA’s lines on UKSPF, the proposals contain issues that surround accountability, transparency, and a wider growth landscape. Internally, the LGA will be refreshing the fragmented funding so that a position is established on the replacement of EU funding and on the future pathways on funding streams. The LGA will be engaging with councils on the publication of the consultation and welcomed steer from members.

The Chair stated that the aim is to continue to push a long standing LGA line: to release funding to local control.

Decisions

The following decisions were made:

-       All board members agreed that they are happy with the proposals offered for Local Enterprise Partnerships.

-       In consideration to the next steps outlined in paragraph 21 for the Local Industrial Strategy, all members agreed with the proposed next steps.