Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Skills.

Decision

(a)       That the draft Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) for Dorset be endorsed;

(b)       That this Council’s agreement to any minor changes requested by Government (in early 2020) be delegated to the Leader of the Council in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Skills;

(c)        That Dorset Council seeks to support implementation of the Dorset LIS through appropriate alignment with its own Economic Growth Strategy, due to be presented to Cabinet members in Spring 2020.

Reason for Decision

It is critical that Dorset can articulate a clear, well-evidenced economic ambition to Government, whilst also giving confidence to local business and future private investors.  It is important that, when required, Dorset can move at pace to respond to both public and private investment opportunities.  A Local Industrial Strategy for Dorset with an aligned Council economic growth strategy and action plan, utilising the same economic analysis, will enable sustainable economic growth and prosperity for Dorset.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Skills  set out a report on the draft Local Industrial Strategy which focused on improving productivity  in-line with the national priority.  It also highlighted the need for inclusive growth to ensure that there was an increase in prosperity across Dorset, especially in areas where issues of low social mobility and deprivation were evident.

Cllr B Heatley raised concerns in relation to the strategy’s approach to climate change and the impact on productivity.  In response the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Skills indicated that the Dorset Council’s strategy had yet to be drafted and this would be aligned with the draft Council Plan, emphasising inclusive growth and a proactive approach to environmental net gain. Cabinet members were further advised that the Climate Change Executive Advisory Panel would also be reporting to Cabinet in the New Year on its progress.

Members considered that it was appropriate to endorse the draft LIS at this stage, whilst councillors and officers continued to engage in the development process to ensure the continued strategic alignment with the Council’s own emerging priorities.

Decision

(a)       That the draft Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) for Dorset be endorsed;

(b)       That this Council’s agreement to any minor changes requested by Government (in early 2020) be delegated to the Leader of the Council in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Skills;

(c)        That Dorset Council seeks to support implementation of the Dorset LIS through appropriate alignment with its own Economic Growth Strategy, due to be presented to Cabinet members in Spring 2020.

Reason for Decision

It is critical that Dorset can articulate a clear, well-evidenced economic ambition to Government, whilst also giving confidence to local business and future private investors.  It is important that, when required, Dorset can move at pace to respond to both public and private investment opportunities.  A Local Industrial Strategy for Dorset with an aligned Council economic growth strategy and action plan, utilising the same economic analysis, will enable sustainable economic growth and prosperity for Dorset.