Agenda item

RESOLVED:              That the updated draft Norfolk Economic Strategy, which will also be known as the ‘Local Growth Plan’ for Norfolk, be endorsed with the following additional points to be passed to the County Council for their consideration:

·         Specific reference to the existence of the CITB in reference to the construction sector, along with its close link with the College of West Anglia.

·         The protection of the Environment being included as a golden thread throughout the document.

·         An energy Action Plan to be included

·         The priority of supporting SMEs in procurement.

·         Strengthen opportunity for King’s Lynn – Cambridge growth corridor

Reason for Decision:

The draft Norfolk Economic Strategy will act as a policy for the Norfolk County Council, but also serve as a framework for a wide range of partners including districts, education institutes and the private sector. The strategy will act as a Local Growth Plan for the new Labour Government, who will expect bids for funding to reference the strategy. It is therefore an important policy document which will open up opportunities for West Norfolk in line with the corporate priority to support growth and prosperity and the priorities emerging from the West Norfolk Economic Strategy

The Regeneration Programmes Manager presented the report which outlined the process undertaken by Norfolk County Council to develop a new economic strategy for Norfolk, the key priorities highlighted within the draft strategy and a recommendation for the Borough Council to endorse.

The purpose of the strategy was to provide an up-to-date economic growth strategy for Norfolk, for the next 5 years, building on the Norfolk & Suffolk Economic Strategy produced by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); functions of which had transferred to Norfolk County Council. The strategy would be an overarching document for Norfolk, to encompass thematic, place based and sector strategies to help grow our local economy and support the people who live and work here. The draft Norfolk Economic Strategy was co-developed alongside the West Norfolk Economic Strategy, including evidence base and stakeholder consultation within West Norfolk. The draft West Norfolk Economic Strategy (currently out to public consultation) was aligned in identification of key sectors, priorities and actions to support inclusive economic growth.

Councillor Ring drew attention to the fact that more detail would be included on how elements would be delivered in the Borough’s own strategy which was in the process of public consultation.  He considered that Norfolk needed to shout about the fact that had talent and opportunity it was being missed.

Councillor Morley drew attention to the fact that the CITB which was a world class facility producing such skills was not included in the document, but should be, along with its synergy with the College of West Anglia providing construction courses.  Councillor Moriarty supported the comments.

Councillor Squire made reference to the Environmental section which focussed on net 0, but did not have the protection of the environment as a golden thread throughout the document.

The Chair drew attention to comments made at the Regeneration and Development Panel regarding the use of rural land for solar panels, when that land was needed to grow food.

Councillor de Whalley made reference to the need to make rail improvements and strengthen the growth corridor between Cambridge and King’s Lynn.

Councillor Rust supported the references in the document to King’s Lynn being a Marmot Place, which would benefit the residents of the area.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Kemp spoke on the item and the need to include infrastructure for King’s Lynn with the increase in Government housing targets, the need for the Ely Junction upgrade, the high carbon emissions in the area due to the rurality of the area, but needing buses running in rural areas, digital improvement for the area was badly needed, along with the training of new dentists for the area.

The Chair reminded Councillor Kemp and other County Councillors of the need to make the relevant points when the report was considered at the County Council Cabinet.  He drew members attention to the need to work strategically with the County Council to deliver infrastructure improvements.  He considered that the Borough’s Strategy should also aim to improve linkages.

Councillor Morley also drew attention to the forthcoming procurement changes which would assist SMEs by giving them greater opportunities with more contracts.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager was asked to pass the points back to the County Council with the hope they would take them into account.  She undertook to report back to Cabinet members when the Borough’s strategy came forward.

RESOLVED:             That the draft Norfolk Economic Strategy, which will also be known as the ‘Local Growth Plan’ for Norfolk, be endorsed with the following additional points to be passed to the County Council for their consideration:

·         Specific reference to the existence of the CITB in reference to the construction sector, along with its close link with the College of West Anglia.

·         The protection of the Environment being included as a golden thread throughout the document.

·         An energy Action Plan to be included

·         The priority of supporting SMEs in procurement.

·         Strengthen opportunity for King’s Lynn – Cambridge growth corridor

Reason for Decision:

The draft Norfolk Economic Strategy will act as a policy for the Norfolk County Council, but also serve as a framework for a wide range of partners including districts, education institutes and the private sector. The strategy will act as a Local Growth Plan for the new Labour Government, who will expect bids for funding to reference the strategy. It is therefore an important policy document which will open up opportunities for West Norfolk in line with the corporate priority to support growth and prosperity and the priorities emerging from the West Norfolk Economic Strategy