Agenda item

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.