Agenda item

To consider the report.

KEY DECISION     

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive:

a.    Approved the proposed Integration Plan for the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) and the transfer of the LEP functions into the Council.

b.    Delegated responsibility to the Service Director – Economy, Employment and Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets for establishing the Somerset Economic Growth Board and the implementation of the Integration Plan.

c.     Delegated to the Executive Director – Resources & Corporate Services (Section 151 Officer) to finalise a transfer arrangement and agreements with Devon, Plymouth and Torbay councils that cover operational implementation of the LEP functions; allocations of LEP residual funding, resources, and assets as set out in the finance and risk section.

d.    Agreed the case for applying the exempt information provision as set out in the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A and therefore to treat the attached confidential Appendix 01 in confidence, as it contains commercially sensitive information, and as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets, Cllr Ros Wyke, to introduce the report.

The Lead Member for Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets, Cllr Ros Wyke, presented the report, highlighting: that the report is seeking the Council’s approval of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) Integration Plan and the transfer of LEP functions to the Council as set out in the plan by 1 April 2024; that the preparation of this plan was required by Government as part of the process of transferring LEP functions to local authorities;

The process for agreement on the transfer of assets and resources has been undertaken collaboratively by the Council and its local authority partners; the setting up and voice of the Somerset Economic Growth Board; and the required production of a Somerset Economic plan, and the challenges to produce this within the 6 months timeframe.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included the support for the decision from the former Chair of HotSW Joint Committee, Cllr Val Keitch.

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.????

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive: 

a.     Approved the proposed Integration Plan for the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) and the transfer of the LEP functions into the Council. 

b.     Delegated responsibility to the Service Director – Economy, Employment and Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets for establishing the Somerset Economic Growth Board and the implementation of the Integration Plan. 

c.     Delegated to the Executive Director – Resources & Corporate Services (Section 151 Officer) to finalise a transfer arrangement and agreements with Devon, Plymouth and Torbay councils that cover operational implementation of the LEP functions; allocations of LEP residual funding, resources, and assets as set out in the finance and risk section. 

d.     Agreed the case for applying the exempt information provision as set out in the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A and therefore to treat the attached confidential Appendix 01 in confidence, as it contains commercially sensitive information, and as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information. 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report.???

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report.?