Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for a response to the Government`s consultation on the Sub-National Review of economic development and regeneration (SNR) and for a Multi-Area Agreement submitted by the Leeds City Region.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the response to Government regarding the consultation on the Sub-National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration, as set out in Annex A to the report, be endorsed.

                        (ii)        That the Multi-Area Agreement for the Leeds City Region, as set out in Annex B, be supported.

REASON:      To help shape the effectiveness of future action, in line with the Council’s Corporate Priorities and the objectives of the Sustainable Community Strategy.

Members considered a report which asked them to endorse a response to the Government’s consultation on the Sub-National Review of economic development and regeneration (SNR), and to support a Multi-Area Agreement (MAA) submitted by the Leeds City Region.

The consultation covered developing stronger partnerships for regional growth, integrating regional strategies to promote growth, and the role of local authorities in strengthening sub-regional economies.  The response, attached as Annex A to the report, had been sent to meet the deadline of 20 June 2008, following circulation to all elected Members for comment. 

In February 2008, the Executive had approved a series of actions to support the priorities of the City of York within the city region context.  These had included endorsing Officer support for the preparation of a Multi-Area Agreement focused on skills, labour market mobility and transport.  The latest version of the MAA, which the Chair and Chief Officer of the Leeds City Region had authority to finalise for submission by 30 June, was attached as Annex B.

Having noted the comments of the Shadow Executive on this item, it was

RESOLVED: (i)         That the response to Government regarding the consultation on the Sub-National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration, as set out in Annex A to the report, be endorsed.

                        (ii)        That the Executive expresses its concern regarding the loss of democratic accountability in the planning process that would result from the proposals in the SNR.

                        (iii)       That the Multi-Area Agreement for the Leeds City Region, as set out in Annex B, be supported.

REASON:      To help shape the effectiveness of future action, in line with the Council’s Corporate Priorities and the objectives of the Sustainable Community Strategy.