Agenda item

The Chair invited Philip Clifford, Senior Adviser, to introduce the report.

Philip introduced the report which set out a brief overview of four reports due for publication in the coming weeks.

Board Members made the following comments:

·       In relation to the ‘local government’s role in supporting the advanced digital skills pipeline’ paper, there is reference to the fact that Tech employment growth will be strongest outside of the traditional hotspots of London and the South East, why is this the case?

·       In relation to the ‘Devolution deal to delivery’ paper and soft powers, where does soft power come from?

·       We need to be mindful of power supply issues and whether we have enough electric/power structure to support our changing economies.

·       In relation to the ‘A framework for supporting parish and town councils to play an increased role in local service delivery and place-shaping’ paper, I would like the report to provide more information for the parish councils in need of more support regarding maintenance and what maintenance for them means.

·       In relation to the ‘A framework for supporting parish and town councils to play an increased role in local service delivery and place-shaping’ paper, I wondered with the reduced focus work on devolution, is a greater role for town and parish councils still envisaged?

Philip responded to the comments made by Members of the Board:

·       With regards to Tech employment growth, government expect the South East to reach saturation point. I could provide a more detailed response with Members offline if they would like me to do so.

·       In relation to soft powers, we have had a nuanced ‘back and forth’ with the development of the devolution paper with regards to different mayors in different roles locally both as the interpreter of local government and as a member of the combined authorities.

·       Regarding electric/power supply, this matter has been raised multiple times in relation to the mismatch between the power of demand and high frequency trading and power supply. We can take a look at the levers that councils within these ‘at risk’ areas to encourage conversations with Power UK.

·       The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) are keen to engage the LGA and this Board in future work, so there is an opportunity if Members of this Board want to reach out.

Decision:

Board Members noted the report.