Agenda item

Rebecca Cox, Principal Policy Advisor, introduced the item. She outlined the work programme for 2017/2018, discussing key area of focus including skills and employment, digital connectivity, higher education, Brexit and the industrial strategy. She briefly discussed new challenges facing non-metropolitan England, including the potential for areas in England to trade on a more global scale after Brexit.

The Chairman highlighted work which could be done to influence the direction of government policy in non-metropolitan areas, particularly in the context of Brexit. For example, it was important to communicate that local government was a ready and willing partner in managing and delivering legislation returning from Europe. He asked members to feedback thoughts and ideas on this.

In the discussion which followed, members made the following points:

·         Concerns were raised that non-metropolitan areas interested in devolution were working with a model which was designed with metropolitan areas in mind. Members emphasised they would welcome a model more compatible with the priorities of rural areas.

·         There were concerns that the work programme paper did not cover all key issues in rural areas. It was suggested that the economy in rural areas should be considered in more detail including the potential impact once EU funding streams were withdrawn.

·         This point was expanded upon, and members suggested that the board should look in more detail at issues such as housing, transport, and the problems of encouraging more workers to settle in areas where there was a housing shortage. The impact of EU nationals leaving the UK on agriculture and tourism in rural areas following Brexit was also raised, and members discussed how to ensure this was on the government’s agenda.

·         There was a brief discussion on the Committee of the Regions and what would replace this following Brexit. Officers advised that civil servants were considering this, and it was requested that members raise this issue at party conferences. It was agreed that the board would receive a regular update on this.

·         Members discussed how to encourage people to build skills and stay within rural areas. The importance of encouraging businesses to stay in non-metropolitan areas was also highlighted.

·         Fast data coverage in rural areas was emphasised as essential. As the installation of fibre would not happen in many rural areas due to cost, particular focus had to be placed on rolling out 4G and 5G.

·         Encouraging universities to think about place as well as product was highlighted as important for the improvement of local economies.

·         It was suggested that the board could potentially take more of a lead on industrial strategy work. This would be suggested in a discussion between the Chairman and the Chairman of the EEHT board.

·         It was agreed that the points made in the above discussion would be used to create two to three work streams going forward. Lead members would consider all points made at the next lead member meeting.

Decision:

1.    The board agreed the proposed workstreams.

Action:

1.    Officers to take forward work as directed by members.

2.    An update on the Committee of the Regions at future board meetings to be made.