Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors, Judith Blake, Shabir Pandor and Marcus Mills.

In the absence of Councillor Blake, the meeting was Chaired by Councillor Tim Swift.

Simon Wright declared a Pecuniary Interest and this was noted.

1.    To highlight Appendices 1 and 2 to Agenda Item 6 and Appendices 1, 2 and 3 to Agenda Item 8  which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemptions outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2.    To consider whether or not to accept the officers’ recommendations in respect of the above information as set out at paragraph 4.1 of Agenda Item 6 and paragraph 4.1 of Agenda Item 8.

3.    If the recommendations are accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED – That in accordance with paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendices 1 and 2 to Agenda Item 6 and Appendices 1, 2 and 3 to Agenda Item 8 on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information and for the reasons set out in the report that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

RESOLVED – That in accordance with paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendix 1,2,3 and 4 of Agenda item 7 on the grounds that they are likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information and for the reasons set out in the report that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Copy attached

That the minutes of the meeting of the Business Investment Panel held on 3 April 2018  be approved and signed by the Chair.

Led by:  Henry Rigg

The Panel considered a report to outline the current position regarding progress in committing grants through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP)  Strategic Inward Investment Fund (SIF)

Resolved: That the progress report on the Strategic Inward Investment Fund be noted.

Led by: Henry Rigg 

The Panel considered a report to outline the current position regarding committing grants through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP) Business Grants Programme (BGP)

In private session the Panel discussed BGP 364 re-appraisal and BGP 964 letter of appeal.

Resolved:  That the progress report on the Enterprise Partnership Business Grants Programme be noted.

Led by: Henry Rigg

The Panel considered a report to update on the new inclusive growth criteria and associated conditions for recipients of capital grants on the Business Growth Programme and was asked to provide input.

The City Region’s approach to a local inclusive industrial strategy aims to tackle the growing productivity gap and sustainably improve living standards for all.  This extends to using the Combined Authority’s economic services including the Business Growth Programme – to incentivise businesses to grow in a way that delivers inclusive growth.

The aim of introducing inclusive growth outcomes for the Business Growth Programme is to better target limited public support at those businesses seeking to `get ahead of the curve’ on matters such as in-work progression, apprenticeship opportunities, supporting employees with disabilities, introducing more sustainable travel and boosting productivity.

Resolved:

(i)         That the forthcoming changes to the criteria for awarding BGP grants related to inclusive growth outcomes be noted.

(ii)        That the Panel’s feedback and advice on the proposed implementation plan be noted.

Led by: Chris Brunold

The Panel considered a report to update on progress in committing loans through the LEP Growing Places Fund and was asked for feedback on the findings from one project which has received an interim review and one project with changed circumstances.

In private session the Panel discussed GPF 305 Interim Review Report, GPF 305 External Consultants Report and GPF 315 Changed Circumstances.

Resolved:

(i)            That the update on progress in committing loans through the LEP Growing Places Fund be noted.

(ii)          That the interim review be noted and that a further review is recommended to re-evaluate performance and consider the options which could include project closure with a full return of funds be noted.

(iii)         That the Panel’s feedback on the project with changed circumstances be noted.