Agenda item

Sir Richard emphasised the importance of the 12-month period the Board will be assessed on and the strategy of identifying a small number of areas where it can make a positive difference. In this context, the advantage of the RSA Commission is that it will definitely report within this timescale.

Carolyn Downs explained that the LGA has worked with officers of the Board’s constituent bodies to come up with a specific and focused work programme. The Board should remember that as well as party manifestos, there is also a Comprehensive Spending Review in 2015, and it is important to influence this, especially if there is a coalition government after the next General Election.

Ian Hughes outlined the three areas of work which the programme covers:

1.    Devolution for economic growth and public service reform

2.    Skills, employment and welfare reform

3.    Trade and investment policy

Members raised the following points:

·         The proposed work programme reflects the priorities and interests of the constituent organisations of the Board, who were heavily involved in its development.

·         There is a need to identify 3 or 4 big asks and focus the work programme on those

·         There should be more incorporation of infrastructure in the public service reform workstrand.

·         It will be important to demonstrate how city regions are coming up against the limits of existing policy to transform public services.

·         The focus on trade and investment was welcomed and the Board should move quickly to identify the issues and opportunities for city regions.

·          

·         To prevent our core messages from being diluted, the LGA should try to ensure that local government representation at party conferences delivers common messages.

·         Sponsorship of the City Growth Commission should be contingent on its work reflecting all members of the Board, including smaller cities.

·         The Board will be looking for its contribution to the City Growth Commission to make a real difference to the debate and add value to the existing work being undertaken by the sector.

Mayor Joe Anderson invited the Board to hold its next meeting in Liverpool, to coincide with the city’s hosting of the International Festival of Business. 

Decision

Members agreed to a £50,000 sponsorship for the RSA City Growth Commission with the proviso that it also examines smaller cities in its work.

Action

Officers to look at moving the location of the meeting in July to Liverpool.