Agenda item

The Board discussed and noted the Panel reports which were presented for information.

It was reported that the Business Innovation and Growth Panel had met on 8 September 2020 and the Board noted the update provided on the significant areas of activity discussed at the meeting.  This included the work undertaken in partnership with Be the Business and NatWest to promote the new Female Entrepreneurship Mentoring Platform and programme and Panel members were thanked for their involvement in the mentoring support being provided as part of the initiative.

The Employment and Skills Panel had met on 14 September 2020 and the report provided an update on the work of the Panel, devolution of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) and the Employment and Skills Plan refresh.

In respect of the Place Panel, it was reported that some significant topics had been considered at their meeting.  These included updates on the Towns Fund programme, Brownfield Housing Fund and Revenue Fund, the pipeline of priority Flood Risk Management (FRM) schemes and information relating to the Government consultations regarding changes to the planning system.  Members welcomed the continuing partnership working with North Yorkshire LEP.  It was reported that Helen Simpson had recently been appointed as the incoming Chair of the North Yorkshire LEP from March 2021 and the Chair would send a letter of congratulations on behalf of the Board. 

The Board noted the recent work of the Inclusive Growth and Public Policy Panel.  The update provided information on the support for the region’s Third Sector, which would have a crucial role in the economic recovery of the region.  The Panel had undertaken unconscious bias training and had also been working on the developing the proposals for a Good Work Standard and a Strategic Framework and delivery programme.  With regard to the Strategic Framework, it was proposed that a report be brought to the next meeting of the LEP Board.

The LEP Capital Programme (Investment Committee) report provided an update on the implementation of the LEP capital programme for 2020/21 and updates on the Growth Deal programme, including the Enterprise Zones, a summary of the current activity ongoing to develop the Getting Building Fund projects and details of the commencement of the new Broadband Contract 3. 

It was reported that the Growth Deal Cities and Local Growth Unit (CLoG) monitoring return for quarter 2 was due for submission on 20 November 2020 and the Board endorsed the dashboard which had been circulated prior to the meeting.

The Green Economy Panel were due to meet the following day and it was reported that the Combined Authority had received a Municipal Journal achievement award for their leadership in tackling the climate emergency.  The Board congratulated officers on receiving the award and asked that their thanks also be passed to Simon Pringle and the Green Economy Panel for the valuable work they were undertaking.  A report on the next stages of the Carbon Emissions Reduction Pathways work would be brought to the next meeting.

It was reported that the Business Communications Group had met on 16 November 2020 and Joanna Robinson provided a summary of the main topics which had been discussed.  It was noted that cashflow was the main concern for most businesses and the deferral of the job retention bonus had also been raised as many businesses had incorporated this into their budgets and forecasts.  Brexit had also been discussed and the need for timely communications for  Brexit and also any new Covid rules following the second lockdown was vital for businesses to prepare as short notice decisions were making it difficult for them to plan. 

The Panel Chairs were thanked for their updates.

Resolved:

(i)       That the reports be noted.

(ii)      That the Growth Deal Cities and Local Growth Unit (CLoG) monitoring

Return for submission by 20 November 2020 be endorsed.