Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Economic Development Officer seeking approval of the Economic Growth Strategy.

Executive Councillor: R Fuller.

Cabinet has approved the content of the Economic Growth Strategy and the actions within the first 12 months with the principle of an annual review of the Strategy implementation, upon each anniversary.

Consideration was given to a report prepared by the Economic Development Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) setting out the Council’s economic agenda over the next five years.

In introducing the report, the Economic Development Officer reported that the Strategy sought to refocus and reset the agenda over the next five years, helping to support recovery and enable growth within the local economy. He then went on to report that the Strategy provided an opportunity to attract new skills into the area, enhance the town centres and support economic growth for all including specialist and niche activity within the District.

Reference was made to the many benefits that the Strategy would achieve including the creation of local jobs and increased business rates which would enable future reinvestment back into the District. Comment was also made on the locality of Huntingdonshire being close to numerous key logistical transport routes such as the A1, A14 and M11.

In noting the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) and having commended Officers for the production of a comprehensive report, it was

RESOLVED

that the content of the Economic Growth Strategy and the actions within the first 12 months be approved by the Cabinet together with the principle of an annual review of the Strategy implementation, upon each anniversary.

The Economic Growth Strategy is to be presented to the Panel.

By means of a report by the Economic Development Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Economic Growth Strategy was presented to the Panel. During the introduction the Executive Councillor for Housing and Economic Development reminded Members that the Strategy set out the Council’s priorities for Economic Growth within Huntingdonshire for the next five years.

Councillor Chapman questioned the digital ambition of the Strategy and suggested that it should contain a bolder aim, such as a commitment to ultra-speed broadband. Councillor Chapman stated that he wanted to ensure that the Strategy promoted the conditions to enable technological industries to be located in the District. In response, the Executive Councillor stated that because technological developments advanced quickly, it would be better not to commit the Council to one solution over another. The Strategy aspired to deliver the best digital solution for Huntingdonshire.

Following a query from Councillor Cooper-Marsh regarding a reference to the preferred location of the railway station for the east-west rail link, it was confirmed that Network Rail had not made a decision on this matter.

Attention was drawn to the actions for the next 12 months by Councillor Wakeford. He stated that it would be beneficial if the actions could be prioritised and the priorities clearly highlighted within the Strategy.

Councillor Roberts asked if the Strategy could have a section on emerging industries and the gig economy. In response, Members were informed that the Strategy focused on supporting the industries that had the biggest impact upon the economy of Huntingdonshire.

The Chairman was encouraged that the Strategy emphasised the requirement for construction skills, as well as promoting apprenticeship schemes. The Panel then

RESOLVED

that the Cabinet be recommended to endorse the Economic Growth Strategy 2020-25 and the associated actions.