Agenda item

To update members of the Finance and Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee (FEOSC) on progress made toward the final version of the South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy 2024 – 2028.

The Leader of the Council presented the report with the final draft of the Economic Development Strategy.

On 26 June the 2024 Officers updated the Finance and Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee on comments received during a period of consultation with stakeholders in respect to a draft South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy 2024 – 2028.

The consultation period between May and June 2024 resulted in over fifty responses, which were provided in Appendix 1. Whilst extensive, they were categorised into four main themes: Connectivity, Commercial Premises, Key Sectors, Productivity.

At the previous meeting, the Committee noted the contents of an update report and agreed to hold a workshop to provide further input into the final Strategy. During the Workshop a presentation was given by the Head of Economic Development and Inward Investment that identified the main points received through the consultation period.

Each point was debated and the meeting concluded with further recommendations from Committee Members to strengthen the ‘Vision’; to include reference to retaining, growing and attracting businesses and to include the Council’s Corporate Plan Objectives as Key Performance Indicators (KPI) within the strategy; ensuring a clear relationship between the documents.

Appendix 3 identified the necessary changes which were made to the final strategy following stakeholder consultation and the additional Member Workshop.

Appendix 4 identified the final draft of the Strategy, which would be taken to Cabinet on the 8 October 2024 to seek approval for its adoption as the South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy 2024 – 2028.

The readability of the report was raised; however, it was outlined that the language could not be simplified any further. 

One Member queried the journey of the Strategy following Cabinet approval and how the action plan would be incorporated.

Clarification was sought on why certain actions due to take place within the action plan had no update or timescale addressed to them. It was further queried whether individual elements of the action would be broken down into who was responsible for the action (Officer, Cabinet Member or an Overview and Scrutiny Committee).

The Leader of the Council suggested that an annual review of the document be brought back to the Committee. It was emphasised that Officers and Cabinet Members should refer to the document to ensure actions be met.

The Head of Economic Development and Inward Investment noted a performance appraisal for Officers would take place on an annual basis in order to monitor the actions outlined in the action plan.

One Member sought clarification around the timescale periods within the table and whether the figures (1 and 3) referred to years.

It was further suggested that the Strategy be brought back to the Committee every 6 months, rather than annually.

The Head of Economic Development and Inward confirmed the timescale as set out in appendix 3 referred to the number of years.

ACTION: For an update on the South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy 2024/28 be brought back to Committee in 6 months’ time and be added to the Work Programme.

The Leader of the Council confirmed it was hoped Cabinet would approve the Strategy in October 2024, it would then become a living document which Officer’s would follow.

Members were pleased with the document and highlighted that updating the document would be useful for future updates.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED that the Committee:

1. Reviews the draft Economic Development Strategy 2024-2025 following amendments as a result of the public consultation and further workshop with the Committee.

2. Recommends the draft South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy 2024 – 2028 to Cabinet for approval.