Issue - meetings

To seek Cabinet approval for the adoption of the 2024 – 2028 South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy.

Purpose of report

Cabinet approval for the adoption of the 2024 – 2028 South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy.

Decision

Cabinet approved the adoption of the 2024 – 2028 South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have decided not to adopt the Economic Development Strategy. This was not considered an appropriate option because the strategy was an important document in delivering the ambitions of the Corporate Plan 2024 – 27.

Reasons for decision

The revised South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy 2024 – 2028

represented an opportunity to strategically manage economic development activity across South Kesteven, providing a ‘Golden Thread’ between the work of the Economic Development Service and the ambition of the Council, through its Corporate Plan, ‘To enable and support a dynamic, resilient and growing local economy, which benefits all communities’.

The Strategy included 5 areas of focus:

• Business, job creation and employment safeguarding
• Skills development
• Inclusive growth and regeneration
• Inward investment
• Enhancing South Kesteven’s tourism and visitor economy offer

The Strategy had been subject to various consultations including scrutiny by Finance and Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee on two occasions as well as two Members’ workshops.

The Strategy promoted the district as a prime area for investment. There were many popular places to visit within the district and just outside, including stately homes and National Trust properties.

Great work was already taking place, for example the regeneration of the Grantham market as a result of the work of officers and local Members.