Issue - meetings

(Member lead: Roger Marsh, Head of Service: David Walmsley)

Resolved:  That WYCA agree to formally commit to beginning the development of a single, bold Local Inclusive Industrial Strategy (LIIS) as a replacement for the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP), which will be owned by both the LEP and WYCA with inclusive growth at its core.

The Authority considered a report of the Head of Economic Policy which:

·         provided an update on the development of a single, bold city region strategy, owned by both WYCA and LEP Board with inclusive growth at its core;

·         provided an overview of the headline messages from the national Industrial Strategy White Paper that was launched on 27 November 2017;

·         provided an update on the outcome of the LEP Board meeting of 29 November 2017 and sought agreement to the LEP Board’s decision to begin the development of Local, Inclusive Industrial Strategy (LIIS) as a replacement for the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP); and

·         set out an indicative timetable for the development of a local, inclusive, industrial strategy that reflects national guidance whilst recognising the LEP’s ambition around delivering at pace.

It was reported that the proposals to update and replace the SEP with a LIIS were agreed at the LEP Board meeting on 29 November 2017.  Members discussed the key themes and messages emerging from the City Region’s submission to the Industrial Strategy Green Paper, Autumn Budget and Industrial Strategy White Paper to inform the development of a local inclusive and place based  industrial strategy.  An emerging vision and statement of intent for the City Region emphasising that good growth delivers good outcomes would be developed in January/February 2018.  This would be used as a mechanism for engagement with Government and local stakeholders.  A full LIIS would be produced in March 2019 aimed at driving growth, boosting productivity and earning power for a post-2030 economy.

Resolved:  That WYCA agree to formally commit to beginning the development of a single, bold Local Inclusive Industrial Strategy (LIIS) as a replacement for the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP), which will be owned by both the LEP and WYCA with inclusive growth at its core.