Heart of the South West Devolution - Newsletter 14

Key Messages

• The Partnership’s objectives remain the same:

o   Continuing to develop our overarching Productivity Plan

o   Pursuing governance arrangements which are right for the Heart of the South West partners

o   Taking opportunities as they arise to benefit from evolving Government policies and programmes

• Cllr David Fothergill (Leader of Somerset County Council) is the new Chair of the Leaders' Group

• There remains a lack of clarity from the Government on devolution for areas like the Heart of the South West although the Leaders will continue to pursue a meeting with Secretary of State on this issue

• There are major funding streams which, by working in partnership under a clear vision for economic growth, the region will be better placed to capitalise upon

• Partners will seek to formally agree to establish a Joint Committee during the Autumn cycle of meetings with the Committee meeting in shadow form in September 2017

• The Productivity Plan is being developed around a vision for successful and prosperous lives in a fantastic working, living and natural environment: “Productivity and Prosperity for All”

• The draft of the Productivity Plan will be subject to consultation in Autumn 2017

• The intention is that the Productivity Plan will be put before the Joint Committee for approval in early 2018.

Introduction The Leaders and Chief Executives of the Heart of the South West Partnership met on 14 July 2017 to reflect on the national and local changes which had taken place since their last meeting and to reaffirm the direction of the Partnership. It was agreed that the new Leader of Somerset County Council (Cllr David Fothergill) would take over as the Chair of the Leaders' Group.

Maximising the Opportunities for the Heart of the South West

There remains a lack of clarity from the Government on devolution for areas such as the Heart of the South West – there was no definitive direction given with the Queen’s Speech following the General Election, and no common framework for devolution was announced by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Sajid Javid MP) at the Local Government Association Conference in July.

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Productivity Plan for the Heart of the South West

Analysis of the region’s economic growth potential demonstrates that many of our areas are approaching full employment, therefore, our route to growth must focus on addressing low levels of productivity.

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Brexit Resilience and Opportunities Group

The Brexit Resilience and Opportunities Group is continuing in its work looking at the issues, opportunities and challenges presented by Brexit. The Group is undertaking a Brexit survey with local businesses to hear what their ideas and concerns are, and to help build a consistent and accurate message when engaging with Government and other partners and stakeholders.

Joint Committee for the Heart of the South West

The Leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to the Partnership and to formalising governance arrangements. The Partnership will continue to work together and act as a single voice to engage with Government, and clarify and strengthen the collective relationship with the LEP and other partners to achieve economic growth.

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