Agenda item - Proposal to Create a New Economic Strategy for Brighton & Hove

Report of the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached).

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1)     Approves the development of a new Economic Strategy (2018-2022) for the city.

2)     Approves the proposed approach and overall indicative timescales to develop the new Economic Strategy.  The final draft strategy will be reported to committee and Council for approval.

3)     Agrees that Officers commence delivery of the new Economic Strategy with the commissioning of a background paper on the economic and political context in the city (‘The City’s Economic Story and Policy Context’).

147.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture in relation to the Proposal to Create a New Economic Strategy for Brighton & Hove. The current Economic Strategy would come to an end in 2018.  Since the strategy was published in 2013, there had been multiple factors impacting on the city’s economy and, of particular note, were Brexit and its imminent impact on the city, and the Government’s recently published Green Paper on the Industrial Strategy. The report set out the rationale for preparing a new Economic Strategy for the city and alignment with wider policy developments.  It considered the proposed approach and overall indicative timescales for its development.

147.2      Councillor Wealls stated that he did not oppose the report in principle, but queried how much it actually drove change; arguing that education, planning policy and transport were much greater factors.

147.3      Councillor Janio stated he was not supportive of this work.

147.4      Councillor Sykes welcomed this work, in particular in the context of uncertainty created by Brexit; he asked that the Council consider both the threats and the opportunities that were created.

147.5      The Executive Director responded to some of the points raised in the debate and stated the process of drafting would include review of the previous strategy. He highlighted some of the successes including the living wage, ‘Ride the Wave’ programme, business training services and funding that had been secured through the regional growth fund; which allowed businesses to invest in their own growth. He went on to highlight the development of the city region approach which had helped attract capital investment and funds for infrastructure projects. There were also things the Council could do in terms of bringing together key partners and facilitating growth; as well as working with the universities.

147.6      The Chair noted that the final draft would need approval at Full Council.

147.7      The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote; these were carried with 6 in support and 4 abstentions.

147.8      RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1)     Approves the development of a new Economic Strategy (2018-2022) for the city.

2)     Approves the proposed approach and overall indicative timescales to develop the new Economic Strategy.  The final draft strategy will be reported to committee and Council for approval.

3)     Agrees that Officers commence delivery of the new Economic Strategy with the commissioning of a background paper on the economic and political context in the city (‘The City’s Economic Story and Policy Context’).