Issue - meetings

That the Economic Development vision and action plan as now submitted, be adopted.

The Executive Member for Economic Development submitted a report seeking approval for the Economic Development vision and action plan.  This was detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ of his report now submitted.

The Executive Member also detailed the key stages of development that had resulted in the vision and action plan now submitted.  The Executive noted that its implementation would require effective cooperation with partners such as the Local Enterprise Partnership, Hertfordshire County Council, WENTA, the London Stansted Cambridge Consortium and others.

The Executive approved the proposals now detailed.

RESOLVED - that the Economic Development vision and action plan as now submitted, be adopted.

The Executive Member for Economic Development submitted a report inviting Members to support the Economic Development Vision for East Herts.  The Executive Member stated that this document would be considered by the Executive on 8 March 2016 as the Authority did not currently have an up to date strategy.

Members were reminded that Economic Development was not a large department and the pragmatic reality was that only a small number of issues could be addressed by Officers.  One particular focus was the Council becoming responsible for business rates from 2020.

Following a comment from Councillor M Freeman regarding slowing growth in East Herts in recent years, the Executive Member emphasised that East Herts was well placed in terms of employment in that there were not many residents who wanted to work who were unable to do so.

The Head of Business Development confirmed to Councillor J Wyllie that the Council did everything possible to avoid the aspirations of residents being hampered by red tape.  He also advised that the Authority had to be more conscious of all the surrounding areas in terms of the populations coming into East Herts.

The Executive Member for Economic Development and the Economic Development Manager responded to a comment from Councillor N Symonds regarding the importance of incubation space for business start-ups in East Herts.

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services responded to an observation from Councillor M Pope.  Members received the report and supported the recommendation now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the report be received; and

(B)   the Executive be advised that the joint meeting of Scrutiny Committees supports the approval of the Economic Development Vision and Action Plan 2016/17 – 2019/20.