Agenda item

Cllr Roger Philips, having attended the most recent meeting of the Programme Growth Board, introduced the report which summarised LGA activity to influence EU funding for 2014 – 2020 and invited the Board’s steer on next steps. He updated on the latest negotiations between the sector, Government and the European Commission, and welcomed the positive working relationship between the LGA and Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Network. 

In the discussion that followed, Members made a number of comments, including:

·        Serious concerns were expressed at the delay in the programmes going live and the implication this would have for projects on the ground.

·        With reference to a current council-run ESF cofinancing programme, it was noted that locally funded and managed projects can deliver greater value for money, better outcomes and add value.    

·        Concerns were expressed regarding the accountability and transparency of LEPs, particularly in relation to local government representation, as well as concerns regarding varying levels of capacity to deliver.

Decision

The Board noted the update and agreed the further actions set out in the report.