Agenda item - Greater Brighton Five Year Strategic Projects

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)           That the Board agree to support delivery of the projects outlined in Appendix 1.

2)           That the Board approves the allocation of £25,000 from the Greater Brighton budget to establish a resource dedicated to inward investment as detailed in paragraphs 3.9 – 3.18.

3)           That the Board approves the allocation of £15,000 of Board funds to develop the inward investment proposition and Greater Brighton narrative for the City Region via a Pitch for Place, as detailed in paragraphs 3.19-3.22.

4)           That the Board approves the allocation of £10,000 from the existing budget to support delivery of a research-based piece of work around capturing the economic impact of creative industries in the Greater Brighton region and its substituent LAs.

5.1         The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that sought approval of a list of projects and initiatives that would support delivery of the priorities aligned with the Board’s Five Year Strategic Priorities.

5.2         Andrew Swayne stated that as a member of the Greater Brighton Infrastructure Panel, discussions had been held on whether 2050 was too late to achieve carbon neutrality. Andrew Swayne stated that it was highly important that the projects that came forward were realistic and quickly deliverable and that would be a challenge.

5.3         Councillor Mac Cafferty noted that the project summary sought a 50% increase in inward investment in two years and asked if that was an overly ambitious target. Councillor Mac Cafferty noted that recent research and studies indicated that Enterprise Zones had limited importance in economic performance and he did not feel the Newhaven site was something the Board could rely upon for economic improvement.

5.4         In relation to inward investment, Max Woodford replied that the region was currently at a low base level and therefore, it was felt the target was achievable. In relation to the Newhaven Enterprise Zone, Peter Sharp explained that there was currently no data available due to the relatively recent site occupancy and it was hoped that the Enterprise Zone would fare better than other areas.

5.5         Alison Addy noted that Gatwick had collated detailed data on the role of the airport in the region and that could be shared if of use.

5.6         Councillor Walsh stated that the skills base was relatively low in Arun District and he hoped that they could work with educational partners to deliver the methods to improve that.

5.7         RESOLVED-

1)           That the Board agree to support delivery of the projects outlined in Appendix 1.

2)           That the Board approves the allocation of £25,000 from the Greater Brighton budget to establish a resource dedicated to inward investment as detailed in paragraphs 3.9 – 3.18.

3)           That the Board approves the allocation of £15,000 of Board funds to develop the inward investment proposition and Greater Brighton narrative for the City Region via a Pitch for Place, as detailed in paragraphs 3.19-3.22.

4)           That the Board approves the allocation of £10,000 from the existing budget to support delivery of a research-based piece of work around capturing the economic impact of creative industries in the Greater Brighton region and its substituent LAs.