Agenda item

To update members of Finance and Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the progress made in developing an Economic Development Strategy for South Kesteven 2024 - 2028.

The Leader of the Council presented the report.

At the Finance, Economic Development and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 22 November 2022, the Committee considered and provided feedback on the first draft framework of the South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy (2023-2028).

Since that meeting, the draft Strategy had significantly evolved taking into account the newly adopted Corporate Plan. It was scheduled to be reported to this committee on 20 February 2024, however it was withdrawn allowing time for the newly appointed Head of Economic Development to reflect upon the document and to conduct a stakeholder consultation exercise.

At the 20 February FEOSC Committee meeting, Members debated a ‘Flightpath', which detailed key milestones for the Strategy’s completion and eventual approval by Cabinet in summer 2024. This document was circulated to committee members following the meeting.

The ‘Flightpath’ included the Leader’s proposal to host a Members Workshop to broaden participation and to encourage consensus around the strategy. This meeting took place on 21 March 2024, following an invitation to all FEOSC Members.

Following this meeting Officers produced an updated draft Economic Development Strategy and accompanying Action Plan (Appendix A). Cabinet, at its meeting on 16 April 2024 approved a four-week consultation with Stakeholders on the draft Strategy.

Indicative key milestones were provided.

One Member outlined key themes identified within the strategy. Emphasise was given on the economic goals in regard to the Council’s Corporate Plan.

It was noted that other bodies had their own economic strategy and development plans. It was queried how the Council’s strategy would align with other strategies and what level of crossover or duplication there would be. It was suggested that the collaboration of one strategy for several authorities may produce more leverage.

The appendices to the report included a review of the strategic context where many of the regional, national and local had been reviewed and summarised. This has been taken into account and construction of the strategy document. The Council met with partners on a regular basis with Members of different partnerships across the region.

Part of the consultation exercise was to consult with stakeholders to inform the document in its next stages.

It was suggested that high attention be given to employment levels in Lincolnshire and local companies.

It was noted that the five-year plan had become a four-year plan. Members were pleased to see Devolution included within the strategy.

Members made observations of the information and wording included within the strategy in relation to St Martins Park and Stamford North development.

It was queried when details would be produced on how aspirations would be achieved within the strategy.

The Leader of the Council confirmed that outline approval for St Martins Park was granted in 2020. Stamford North was yet to receive outline planning permission.

Members were urged to respond to the strategy consultation or liaise with the relevant Officer, if they had any concerns.

The Head of Economic Development confirmed that the report included several areas of focus which was reflected within the Corporate Plan. Each member of the team would be allocated a different task which would be worked upon and delivered over the four-year timeframe.

One Member queried the ongoing timescale.

It was clarified that the timescale stated within the report related to 1-3 years.

Members welcomed the document. Further detailed information was requested to be included on aspirations, smart deliverables and Grantham Market.

A query was made on how the document would be publicised.

Member requested that corporate words be made clearer for easy-reading for members of the public.

It was highlighted that the aspiration for economic growth be included within the document.

The Leader of the Council emphasised that a Member workshop had taken place on feedback on the strategy.

It was confirmed that press releases, promotion on social media channels, promotion to business clubs in each town and people interested in the general economy.

One Member raised typographical/grammatical errors of the document. It was suggested that an amended copy of the document be published and provided on the consultation as soon as possible.

The Head of Economic Development confirmed that the document had been amended as a result of the Member workshop and had been approved by Officers and signed off by the relevant Cabinet Member.

One Member queried whether the consultation could be paused whilst the relevant amendments be made.

The strategy had previously been discussed at the previous meeting of the Finance and Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Following this, a Member workshop had taken place.

The Leader of the Council welcomed any input from members of the public, whether it be grammatical or the content of the strategy.

Assurance was provided to the Committee that proof-reading and corrections would be completed as a matter of urgency. Checks would be undertaken with the software provider in terms of how the consultation documents could be updated.

That the Committee:

Notes the content of this report on the development of the Economic Development Strategy.