Issue - meetings

The report provided an update on the development of growth plans for the South East, for Kent and Medway and for West Kent.  It also set out proposals for the development of a local commissioning plan to draw future funding into Kent and Medway from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to support local economic priorities.

Following consideration by the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration resolved that:

1)     the comments submitted by the West Kent Partnership on the draft Kent and Medway Growth Plan and the Strategic Economic Plan be endorsed;

2)     the draft priority list of local economic projects, as set out in paragraph 1.6.3 of the report, be endorsed; and

3)     the Chairman of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership be informed of the Borough Council’s strong support for Government funding to support growth being devolved to the Kent and Medway Partnership.

The report provided an update on the development of growth plans for the South East, for Kent and Medway and for West Kent.  It also set out proposals for the development of a local commissioning plan to draw future funding into Kent and Medway from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to support local economic priorities.

Members were reminded that funding from both Government and European sources for local infrastructure projects and to support economic initiatives was now being channelled via Local Enterprise Partnerships across the country. 

In addition, proposals regarding a Kent and Medway Commissioning plan were outlined and specific priorities for Tonbridge and Malling, along with indicative funding, were set out in the report.  Further work on the commissioning process would continue over the rest of the year and it remained crucial that West Kent set out a strong case for local investment over this period to ensure the area received its fair share of support relative to other needs across Kent and Medway. It was noted that there was no guarantee that funding would be allocated to Tonbridge and Malling individually as it was anticipated that distribution would be on a county wide basis.

Members were encouraged by the priorities put forward and were grateful to Kent County Council for their response.  However, whilst uncertainty remained regarding funding allocation it was important to maintain appropriate pressure and continue to lobby for important projects to be included.   It was also commented that recent events had highlighted the importance of flood protection measures, which should be funded by Government and not Local Enterprise Partnerships.

RECOMMENDED: That

(1)   the comments submitted by the West Kent Partnership on the draft Kent and Medway Growth Plan and the Strategic Economic Plan be endorsed;

(2)   the draft priority list of local economic projects, as set out in paragraph 1.6.3 of the report, be endorsed; and

(3)   the Chairman of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership be informed of the Borough Council’s strong support for Government funding to support growth being devolved to the Kent and Medway Partnership.