Issue - meetings

The Economic Development Manager submitted a fact based update regarding the work of the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  The report provided Members with information relating to funding levels and their sources, funding structures, projects identified for support and potential opportunities for East Herts.

Councillor M Pope commented on the European Social Funding opportunities and the bidding opportunities open to Further Education establishments, such as Hertford Regional College.  The Economic Development Manager advised that East Herts Council would also be looking to support the college.

Councillor T Page commented on the availability of the Strategic Economic Plan for Hertfordshire.  Members were advised that this very large document was available.  In reply to a query from Councillor Pope regarding the Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan(IDP), the Economic Development Manager undertook to respond after he had spoken to Planning Policy Officers.

Councillor Pope referred to the large numbers detailed in the report and he emphasised the importance of East Herts securing a fair share.  The Economic Development Manager commented that it was early days in terms of what could be achieved and it remained to be seen how the allocation of funding would play out.

Councillor J Wing referred to housing development and employment and the Strategic Economic Plan for Hertfordshire.  He also referred to housing in the emerging District Plan.  The Economic Development Manager referred to opportunities in East Herts resulting from the availability of employment land.

Councillor Wing commented on the security of the LEP funding.  The Economic Development Manager stated that the funding was allocated by various government departments and the money was not being held in a LEP bank account. 

In response to a comment from Councillor Page regarding the funding detailed in paragraphs 2.12 to 2.15 of the report, Members were advised that this funding should be secure as it had been allocated by central government.

The Economic Development Manager pointed out that he did not anticipate the allocations changing although the LEP itself could change over time.  The Committee received the report.

RESOLVED – that the report be received.