Agenda item

To consider the attached report.

The Joint Assembly agreed unanimously to RECOMMEND that the Executive Board:

(a)          Develop a 10 year Future Investment Strategy (FIS) and the process set out in paragraphs 11-15 of the report for agreeing priorities; and

(b)          Undertake a significant engagement exercise (called Our Big Conversation) in order that the views of stakeholders, residents and businesses can be included in the development of the FIS.

The Joint Assembly considered a report to be presented to the next Executive Board meeting, which outlined a proposed process for developing a ten year Future Investment Strategy for the GCP.

The Interim Chief Executive in introducing the report drew attention to the need for the GCP to focus its ambition on its long term vision for economic growth and to align its resources accordingly.  This would build on progress made to date, but would also articulate a longer term view of how it was planned to prioritise the use of available funding.  She outlined plans to hold a ‘Big Conversation’ with stakeholders, residents and businesses to assist in developing proposals for investment over the longer term. 

The Joint Assembly was invited to consider and comment on the recommendations to be presented to the Executive Board.  The main points of discussion are summarised below:

·         Sir Michael Marshall supported the proposals and asked how Joint Assembly members could help with the planned Big Conversation.  In response the Interim Director explained that, subject to the Executive Board’s decision next week, there would be a wide range of events and Joint Assembly members were welcome to participate in as many as they were able to. 

·         Councillor Bridget Smith reported that she had asked for information on how successful the GCP had been in attracting matched funding and suggested that it might have been useful to have had that information to inform this discussion.  In response, it was confirmed that a response to Councillor Smith’s question was being prepared.  In addition this information would be covered as part of the budget report to be presented to the November meeting.

·         Claire Ruskin commented that she had been asked by LEP colleagues to point out that in paragraph 12 of the report there was no mention of the Strategic Economic Plan and the Strategic Economic Evidence Base.  She suggested that it may be appropriate to include reference to these.  With reference to the planned Big Conversation, Ms Ruskin was supportive of this, but highlighted the importance of making sure that the GCP showed some leadership in the process rather than just asking a range of open ended questions.

·         Councillor Tim Bick supported Claire Ruskin’s comments about the need for leadership and focus in the proposed Big Conversation.  He commented the need to be clear what priorities were being discussed and asked for confirmation that these were the various interventions that were discussed in the task and finish groups.  In response the Interim Chief Executive confirmed that that was the case.  She commented that the intention was to report back to the Joint Assembly and Executive Board on the outcome of these conversations so it would be important to ensure the discussions were structured accordingly.

·         Andy Williams supported the proposals but emphasised the need to use individuals who were experienced in engaging with the public to ensure the conversations were meaningful. 

The Joint Assembly considered the officer recommendations and agreed unanimously to RECOMMEND that the Executive Board:

(a)          Develop a 10 year Future Investment Strategy (FIS) and the process set out in paragraphs 11-15 of the report for agreeing priorities; and

(b)          Undertake a significant engagement exercise (called Our Big Conversation) in order that the views of stakeholders, residents and businesses can be included in the development of the FIS.