Minutes:
Daniel Gardiner provided the Board with a verbal update on recent developments with local industrial strategies (LIS), the Government’s review of local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
In relation to LIS, Daniel outlined that the LGA has now commissioned a local support offer focused on LIS and have secured additional funding from BEIS which has allowed the LGA to appoint two providers – Metro Dynamics and Shared Intelligence – to deliver this offer.
Shared Intelligence will be focusing specifically on understanding and strengthening the role of councils in the development of a LIS and their offer will include the delivery of action learning sets for council officers seeking to instigate or further their authority’s engagement with their LIS.
Metro Dynamics will be focusing more broadly on the ‘key ingredients’ of Local Industrial Strategies and their offer will include the delivery of a series of masterclasses on areas including driving inclusive growth through a LIS and developing a LIS evidence base.
In relation to the LEP Review, Daniel informed the Board that there had been no public announcement on geography thus far though some areas have begun to progress plans for changes and we understand that outstanding geography issues are limited to only a couple of areas.
Daniel also pointed out that the National Local Growth Assurance Framework had been published and that the LGA would continue to explore options relating to strengthening the democratic accountability of LEPs.
In relation to the UKSPF, Daniel noted that the consultation had not been published in December 2018 as planned. Daniel noted that once clarity is provided on the timing of the consultation, officers will consider the most appropriate option for capturing the views of the Board.
Decision
Members noted the verbal update.
Action:
Members to feedback on any developments in their locality regarding LEP geography proposals