Agenda item

This report provides an update on progress with the two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP’s) that York belongs to: Leeds City Region and York/North Yorkshire/East Riding.

Members considered a report which provided them with an update on progress with the two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) that York belongs to: Leeds City Region and York/North Yorkshire/East Riding.

Officers circulated copies of the York/North Yorkshire/East Riding LEP Local Plan and the Leeds City Region City Deal. These papers were attached to the agenda, which was republished online following the meeting.

Officers highlighted some points from the Local Plan and City Deal. They stated that the North Yorkshire LEP Local Plan mentioned inward investment but did not clarify on which activities it would proactively encourage and which activities it would carry out through other partners. In response to the Leeds City Region City Deal, they questioned the devolution of powers through the idea of a Combined Authority and raised concerns about levels of accountability. This was because, if approved, the Combined Authority would have its own fundraising powers.

Members asked a series of questions to Officers these included;

·        If LEPs were in competition with one another?

·        What was the timescale for York to decide whether to remain in both LEPs

·        If there were sufficient resources to be part of both the North Yorkshire/York/East Riding LEP as well as the Leeds City Region?

·        How aspirational was the North Yorkshire LEP?

Officers reported to Members, that in some areas such as inward investment the LEPs were potentially in competition but in others their work was complementary. It was stated that the North Yorkshire LEP was smaller in scope but that the Leeds City Region had a larger capacity in terms of staff and resources. They suggested it would be more advantageous for York to remain with the LEP with a more holistic approach.

They informed Members that there was not a timetable for responses and implementation regarding which LEP to remain with. It was noted that further information needed to be gained from both LEPs as to the levels of public accountability they would have.

Members felt that further information, such as the results from the government review into LEPs and outcome data from both LEPs, be provided by the Officers early in 2013 so that the Council could understand the value added by the two respective LEPs. Members suggested there was a case, based on the comparison information to be provided for deciding now whether two LEP membership was in the Council’s interest rather than waiting to see whether the recommendation in the Heseltine report “No Stone Unturned” proposing that no local authority should belong to more than one LEP was implemented.

Members also requested that Committee be involved in consultation on our future role LEP role and also the detail of the City Deal before a decision was made at Cabinet.

RESOLVED:       That the report be noted and;

(i)           A further report be considered at a future meeting on the achievements of both LEPs on the economic performance of York’s economy. This report should provide sufficient information to generate a discussion on the benefits of LEP membership.

(ii)          That a progress report be received on City Deal proposals prior to Cabinet consideration.

REASON:           To keep the Committee up to date with the work of the LEPs.