Agenda item

In February 2013 Cabinet identified economic growth as a key priority for the county council, both to secure an increase in the size and value of the economy and to generate employment. The report set out how the county could benefit considerably from greater influence over national programmes and devolved funding to support local economic growth. It also identified how the council would apply the One Team ethos in working with district and borough councils, businesses and other public sector partners across Surrey to drive forward economic growth. 

The council has made considerable progress on this over the last twelve months. This report takes forward the approaches identified in February 2013 and identifies activity that is underway to maximise the levels of investment in Surrey including:

• ensuring that Surrey County Council’s priorities are reflected in the development of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) strategic economic plans and securing additional investment in the county;

• strengthening the local authority role in Local Enterprise Partnership governance;

• engaging business opinion through Surrey Connects, in particular understanding Surrey’s key growth and globally competitive sectors to achieve and sustain growth; and

• enhancing collective working across Surrey with district and boroughs and with business on economic growth, including through Surrey Future and the Employment and Skills Board, in particular to make the case for additional investment in strategic infrastructure.

The role of the LEPs has evolved considerably in the last twelve months and the partnerships have become increasingly important in supporting local economic growth. LEPs have been invited to negotiate Local Growth Deals with Government, through which they can secure funding for capital schemes, including transport and infrastructure, as well as seeking greater influence over national growth programmes. Surrey is split between two LEPs and the county council has worked actively with both partnerships in the development of their Strategic Economic Plans and will continue to play a key role as they enter into negotiations with Government.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Environment and Transport Select Committee]

1.         That Surrey businesses be congratulated on their success in achieving significant economic growth in recent years, which means that the gross value added of the Surrey economy is now in excess of £32 billion a year.

2.         That the progress made with both of the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), of which Surrey is a member, in making the case for additional investment in the county be noted and that the Deputy Leader, in consultation with the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and Environment, should agree the final Strategic Economic Plans for both LEPs in accordance with the approach set out in this report.

3.         That the county council be represented by either the Leader or Deputy Leader in the proposed new local authority governance arrangements for Enterprise M3 (EM3) and Coast to Capital (C2C) Local Enterprise Partnerships.

4.         That the financial implications of the ongoing work with Local Enterprise Partnerships, including the potential to secure additional funding for transport and infrastructure schemes and for skills development given that the LEPs are intending to bid for £850-£950 million for the period 2015-2021 be noted.

5.         That it be noted the Surrey Connects Board are currently considering a range of options for their future operation and that decisions on any financial and organisational changes that are needed in the county council, once that consideration is concluded, should be delegated to the Strategic Director for Environment and Infrastructure in discussion with the Deputy Leader

6.         That the arrangements for enhancing collaboration with district and borough councils, including potential areas for joint working to secure additional benefits across the whole of Surrey be noted.

7.         That an all member workshop on economic growth and the Local Enterprise Partnerships be held in March 2014.

Reasons for Decisions:

The approach set out in this report will assist the Council in achieving the 'Confident in our Future' Corporate Strategy 2014-19 (as agreed by Cabinet on 4 February 2014 and by full Council on 11 February 2014), which includes a specific priority to make Surrey’s economy strong and competitive. In particular, it will support the council in its efforts to secure additional investment in Surrey, more flexibility to meet the distinct needs of the county and more joint working with boroughs and districts to promote economic growth. Additional investment in strategic and local infrastructure, in skills and in employment and business support will help to promote economic growth across the county, maintain the quality of life for residents and develop Surrey’s already very strong offer as a place to do business.    

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Environment and Transport Select Committee]

The Deputy Leader said that the Cabinet had agreed in February 2013 the importance of promoting Economic Growth in Surrey and he was proud of the role of the County Council in it. He highlighted some of the measures that would help businesses to grow and succeed:

·         The apprenticeship scheme for Surrey businesses,which had resulted in the creation of more than 500 apprenticeship places

·         The rollout of a county wide high speed broadband network

·         60% of county council spend with local small and medium sized enterprises that had resulted in almost £1m per day being spent with local companies

·         A major programme of road schemes

He also referred to the Surrey Employment and Skills Board which was established in April 2013 and the Local Transport Bodies.

He said that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) were expected to take a lead role in the day to day management of the European Structural and Investment Fund for 2014 – 2020 programme and he referred to the funding opportunities through the Local Growth Deals.

A summary of draft Strategic Economic Plans for Coast to Capital and Enterprise M3 were attached as Annexes to the report.

Finally, he tabled an amendment to recommendation (3), adding in ‘either the Leader or’ before the Deputy Leader.

RESOLVED (as amended):

1.         That Surrey businesses be congratulated on their success in achieving significant economic growth in recent years, which means that the gross value added of the Surrey economy is now in excess of £32 billion a year.

2.         That the progress made with both of the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), of which Surrey is a member, in making the case for additional investment in the county be noted and that the Deputy Leader, in consultation with the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and Environment, should agree the final Strategic Economic Plans for both LEPs in accordance with the approach set out in this report.

3.         That the county council be represented by either the Leader or the Deputy Leader in the proposed new local authority governance arrangements for Enterprise M3 (EM3) and Coast to Capital (C2C) Local Enterprise Partnerships.

4.         That the financial implications of the ongoing work with Local Enterprise Partnerships, including the potential to secure additional funding for transport and infrastructure schemes and for skills development given that the LEPs are intending to bid for £850-£950 million for the period 2015-2021 be noted.

5.         That it be noted the Surrey Connects Board are currently considering a range of options for their future operation and that decisions on any financial and organisational changes that are needed in the county council, once that consideration is concluded, should be delegated to the Strategic Director for Environment and Infrastructure in discussion with the Deputy Leader

6.         That the arrangements for enhancing collaboration with district and borough councils, including potential areas for joint working to secure additional benefits across the whole of Surrey be noted.

7.         That an all member workshop on economic growth and the Local Enterprise Partnerships be held in March 2014.

Reasons for Decisions:

The approach set out in this report will assist the Council in achieving the 'Confident in our Future' Corporate Strategy 2014-19 (as agreed by Cabinet on 4 February 2014 and by full Council on 11 February 2014), which includes a specific priority to make Surrey’s economy strong and competitive. In particular, it will support the council in its efforts to secure additional investment in Surrey, more flexibility to meet the distinct needs of the county and more joint working with boroughs and districts to promote economic growth. Additional investment in strategic and local infrastructure, in skills and in employment and business support will help to promote economic growth across the county, maintain the quality of life for residents and develop Surrey’s already very strong offer as a place to do business.