Issue - meetings

(The Leader agreed to the consideration of this item as a matter of urgency as a decision was required prior to the next meeting of the Cabinet).

The Leader reported on the latest position regarding Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP).

The Worcestershire bid had not been accepted by the Government and it was proposed that Bromsgrove now seek to join the Birmingham and Solihull LEP. It was stated that if in the future it became clear that Authorities could be part of more than one LEP and the Worcestershire bid was eventually approved, then Bromsgrove would also look to join this partnership.

 It was felt to be important to seek to join the Birmingham and Solihull LEP at an early stage in order to be able to participate fully in its development.   

RECOMMENDED:

(a)       that in the light of the Government’s decision not to accept the Worcestershire LEP proposal, Bromsgrove District forms part of the Birmingham and Solihull LEP in order to ensure that the business and economic interests of the businesses and residents within the District can be properly and adequately represented in the important early stages of the LEP’s development; and

(b)       that it be recognised that the Government’s position on membership of LEP’s  continues to change, particularly in relation to whether a Council can be represented on more than one LEP and in that regard, if at any future date the Worcestershire is accepted then Bromsgrove be similarly represented on the Worcestershire LEP.