Issue - meetings

A report was received to update the LEP on the refresh of the Strategic Economic Plan and the development of the SCR’s Local Industrial Strategy.

It was reported the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) and Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) will outline a route map to a more prosperous and productive City Region. The refreshed SEP will become the overarching strategy which will set out aspirations and priorities for the SCR over the medium to long-term, whilst the LIS is a new strategic document and will be a more focused plan; outlining the investment priorities for driving long-term growth in productivity, scaling up the assets in the City Region, and increasing investment in research and innovation.

The accompanying report provided the Board with an update on the process to develop the refreshed SEP and the new LIS, and the timescales for their completion.

It was reported the process is currently at the ‘evidence gathering’ phase, as a precursor to ensuring forthcoming discussions with stakeholders are appropriately informed.

It was noted the intention is to have a draft refreshed SEP and a LIS by September.

Members considered the importance of engaging a number of additional strategic stakeholders. It was confirmed these would all be engaged as part of the consultation phase.

Consideration was given to how much work can progress with the government on LIS given wider political issues, and other factors such as the pending Comprehensive Spending Review.

Further practical examples were provided to demonstrate the differences between the SEP and the LIS, together with comments regarding how these would fit together and what audiences they would essentially be for.

Concerns were noted that some major engagement exercises are scheduled for over the Summer, traditionally a difficult time to engage the public and other stakeholders. It was agreed the consultation exercise must be robust and meaningful.

Members highlighted some technical inaccuracies in the current report. It was confirmed these would be picked up going forward.

RESOLVED, that the LEP Board notes the update provided on developing the Strategic Economic Plan and Local Industrial Strategy for SCR, and the timetable for completion.