Agenda item

(a)  That the Strategic Director Regeneration, Housing and Resources be delegated authority to write to Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVB LEP) confirming approval in principle of the draft Strategic Economic Plan but subject to:

·  A stronger approach to the distinctive local economies of TVB which more clearly identifies the interdependencies between local authorities and their residents and businesses, both within and outside the LEP area, for the provisions of jobs and housing.

·  incorporating and reflecting more effectively the wider functional economic area within which Slough is situated and the connections and dependencies with surrounding LEP areas and London.

·  the SEP being strengthened to reflect a focus on research and development (R+D) activity across all growth sectors and not just the tech-based, recognising that the development of ‘clusters’ can be generated by any sector where there is a coming together of ideas and knowledge development

·  clarity about the proposals for business support, particularly those for incubator space where SBC is pro-actively improving its offer through good asset management (Plymouth Road)

(b)  That it be noted that further consultation is being undertaken with groups representing local businesses and communities and that any comments received from this consultation will be passed directly to TVB LEP.

The Strategic Director Regeneration, Housing and Resources introduced a report regarding the Council’s response to the consultation draft Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) 2015/16 – 2020/21 produced by Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The Government intended to agree a Growth Deal with every LEP which meant local areas could seek freedoms, flexibilities and greater influence on Government resources in return for the agreement of a SEP.  The document would be both a strategic plan for the Berkshire economy and would also support bids for resources such as the Local Growth Fund in 2015/16.

The Cabinet were asked to delegate authority to respond to the current consultation which would confirm approval for the document in principle subject to a number of comments.  These included a stronger emphasis on the distinctive local economies across Berkshire which recognised that Slough’s functional economic area spread well beyond Berkshire into places such as west London and Buckinghamshire.  The response would also recommend that the SEP be strengthened to reflect a wider focus of research and development activity across all growth sectors, including pharmaceuticals which were particularly strong in Slough, and greater clarity on the proposals for business support such as incubation facilities which the Council were pursuing.  After due consideration, the Cabinet agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

Resolved –

(a)  That the Strategic Director Regeneration, Housing and Resources be delegated authority to write to Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVB LEP) confirming approval in principle of the draft Strategic Economic Plan but subject to:

·  A stronger approach to the distinctive local economies of TVB which more clearly identifies the interdependencies between local authorities and their residents and businesses, both within and outside the LEP area, for the provisions of jobs and housing.

·  incorporating and reflecting more effectively the wider functional economic area within which Slough is situated and the connections and dependencies with surrounding LEP areas and London.

·  the SEP being strengthened to reflect a focus on research and development (R+D) activity across all growth sectors and not just the tech-based, recognising that the development of ‘clusters’ can be generated by any sector where there is a coming together of ideas and knowledge development

·  clarity about the proposals for business support, particularly those for incubator space where SBC is pro-actively improving its offer through good asset management (Plymouth Road)

(b)  That it be noted that further consultation is being undertaken with groups representing local businesses and communities and that any comments received from this consultation will be passed directly to TVB LEP.