Agenda item

Considered – Report of the Chief Operating Officer – York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership to report progress against the 2022-23 Delivery Plan.

James Farrar introduced the report, with some of the key points under the five pillars from the progress report are summarised below:

·       The LEP is commissioning work to build on previous studies and increase evidence data, such as refreshing a labour market analysis for the region by March 2023, along with undertaking a ‘Getting Building Review’ to identify improvements for future funding and an evaluation of bids made to the Community Renewal Fund.

·       The significance of signing off a ‘Routemap to Carbon Negative’ through the LEP Board and the City of York and North Yorkshire local authorities is to be welcomed, with an implementation plan now under development.

·       A priority for the next six months is to build on a draft ‘Plan for Growth’ to revise it in line with current government policy and the role and context of it for the proposed Mayoral Combined Authority. A new draft is expected to be prepared by Summer 2023.

·       The Devolution Deal for York and North Yorkshire secured £7 million investment to enable York and North Yorkshire to drive green economic growth towards their ambitions to be a carbon negative region. This investment is subject to agreement of a submitted business case.

·       Under the delivery pillar, progress is on track, issues with the initial delivery of the skills bootcamp have been ironed out, with a bid for extra money submitted for this important scheme.

·       The LEP Annual Report and Annual Conference delivered as the York and North Yorkshire Business Summit achieved record engagement.

·       The LEP remains fully compliant with its Assurance Framework and National LEP requirements.

There followed a discussion with the key points as summarised below:

·     The key programmes developed by Grow Yorkshire concentrated around rural, food and farming are pleasing to note, but it was asked if this ties into the wider ‘Routemap to Carbon Negative’ work by the LEP. It was also asked about the involvement of organisations such as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) into Grow Yorkshire.

·     In future reports, it would be helpful to see both the qualitative and quantitative baseline data and outcomes of the business support work undertaken by the LEP, to get a better knowledge and understanding of the impact it is having for encouraging economic growth in the region.

·     The importance of working with industry to develop research and proposals was recognised, through partnerships such as the Scarborough cyber cluster.

·     Further detail on the resources available for the LEP would be helpful for members to evaluate the work undertaken.

·     Linking into the work of the economic development team at the new unitary council post 1st April, it will be important that the LEP and NYC continue to promote the distinct economic features of the districts and borough areas in North Yorkshire.

·     The work of the LEP will be crucial in supporting the county to become a trailblazer in natural capital investment, which will be core to delivering economically whilst also realising the ambition to become England’s first carbon negative region.

·     Continued monitoring of the ‘Routemap to Carbon Negative’ will be key to making sure it is achieving its aims and objectives.

·     Ensuring that the future economic development work of the new unitary council and the LEP is not duplicated.

·     The importance of East-West connectivity to the county was highlighted, such as seeking improvements to the A64 to improve journey times and congestion to and from the east coast.

·     The joint scrutiny arrangements for the transition and implementation of a Mayoral Combined Authority would be important to ensure there is thorough oversight and a check and balance on its work.

Resolved - 

That the Transport, Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee note the progress against its delivery plan and the key changes identified

in the report.