Agenda item

The Chairman invited Sonika Sidhu to introduce the report.

Sonika introduced the report which focused on the elements of the Spending Review which were of particular interest to the City Regions Board – UKSPF, freeports, levelling up and jobs and skills.

Members made the following comments:

• In relation to freeports, to what extent are we clear that freeports will create new jobs and not just shift jobs around?

• With regards to the levelling up fund, we need to talk about a culture that’s much more collaborative and co-operative.

• The report is excellent, and the report response was very well-written.

Sonika noted the comments and concerns raised by Members and confirmed that conversations with central government continued.

Decision:

Members noted the report.