Scrutiny Committee
Meeting to be held on 9 December 2011
Electoral Division affected:
None
The County Council's Economic Development Strategic Framework
(Appendix 'A' refers)
Contact for further information:
Martin Kelly, 01772 536197, Office of the Chief Executive,
[email protected]
Executive Summary
The purpose of the report is to update Committee on progress made to deliver
Lancashire County Council's Economic Development priorities.
Since the formal adoption of the County Council's Economic Framework in May
2010, there have been a number of actions taken to re-orientate the Economic
Development Service, including Lancashire County Developments Limited (LCDL),
to achieve key priorities.
A report on the Economic Framework was presented to this Committee in December
2010. At this meeting it was agreed that an annual report would be submitted to
provide Committee with information on progress made in relation to outcomes and
key achievements.
Recommendation
That the Committee note the report.
Background and Advice
1.1
The County Council's Economic Strategy – Framework of Priorities was
presented to Cabinet in March 2010 and approved by Full Council in May of
the same year. An Annual Economic Statement was presented to Cabinet in
May 2011.
1.2
The Strategy was constructed, as part of a 10 year plan, to provide a
framework that would guide the County Council's economic development
actions for the first three years. An implementation plan, detailing the actions
which will deliver the Framework's priorities has also been produced.
1.3
The main role of the document therefore was to provide clarity on the
economic issues which are considered to be of primary importance within the
County and those where LCC can have the greatest impact. Any activity
undertaken by LCC should be found within the Framework, and if it is not, it
will be important to understand why as the document was underpinned by
extensive economic research and intelligence.
1.4
The creation of a corporate document reflected the importance of directorate
involvement and service delivery to achieving the Framework's identified
objectives. The document and the process supporting it were designed to
influence internal practices across the County Council. This included ensuring
that officers working in areas not within the direct designation of economic
development were aware of the economic impact and importance of their
activities.
1.5
Therefore, the Framework has not led to the creation of new teams within the
County Council but sought to use existing resources more effectively by
ensuring that economic issues were recognised and championed by the most
appropriate Directorate and teams. This has allowed the County Council to
begin to bring all of its resources together to ensure that it is using its
combined weight as an organisation to support the development of
Lancashire's economy.
1.6
The Economic Framework is not a list of all the activity within the County, by
LCC itself or other partners and does not seek to provide an answer for every
economically related issue.
1.7
Since the production of the Framework there have been further developments
within the macro and sub-regional economy. Debates are continuing about the
worst effects of the economic recession and growth prospects continue to be
subdued with access to finance a particular issue for the private sector.
1.8
However, the County Council continues to work with key local companies
committed to growing their operations in Lancashire. For example, the County
Council is investing in Silent Night, which will help to grow a workforce of
around 800 jobs and consolidate the Barnoldswick operation as the
company's national HQ.
1.9
Alongside these changes there have been new developments, one of the
most notable being the establishment of the Lancashire Enterprise
Partnership (LEP) - an initiative driven forward and secured by the County
Council. This body is playing a central role in improving our understanding of
private sector needs in the County, and in delivering our economic priorities.
1.10
The LEP has already played a central role in securing Enterprise Zone status
for Lancashire, at Samlesbury/Warton, and in shaping two successful
applications to the national Regional Growth Fund. The LEP has also been
awarded £13m to bring forward strategic developments in Lancashire.
1.11
There also continue to be significant changes to national policy, funding and
governance in relation to the economy and economic development. Several
of the structures and delivery bodies referred to within the strategy have
already been abolished or in the near future will no longer exist, but the
underpinning analysis of the Framework remains solid.
1.12
Within this changing environment the role of the County Council, as a
strategic leader within Lancashire, is increasingly important to the
achievement of our collective ambitions for the local economy.
1.13
Many of the actions undertaken in the past year have laid the foundations for
increased activity in key areas over the next 12 months. The County Council,
alongside its partners is now, despite the economic conditions, well placed to
deliver further on the objectives of the Economic Framework and continue to
support the restructuring and growth of the Lancashire economy.
Consultations
N/A
Implications:
This item has the following implications, as indicated:
Delivery against the economic development framework outcomes will improve the
economic vitality of the County.
Risk management
The rapidly changing economic development environment necessitates an ongoing
review of priorities and delivery focus to ensure the greatest possible impact of
resources.
Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985
List of Background Papers
Paper
Date
Contact/Directorate/Tel
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Reason for inclusion in Part II, if appropriate
N/A