Agenda item

The Commission considered a report of the Chief Executive which provided an update on the work of the Business and Skills Partnership for Leicester and Leicestershire. A copy of the report, marked ‘Agenda Item 9’, is filed with these minutes.

The Chairman welcomed Phoebe Dawson, Director of Business and Skills of the Leicester & Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership (LLBSP) and Mrs D. Taylor CC Acting Leader, for this item.

Arising from discussion, the following points were raised:

(i)         A question was asked relating to the establishment of a Business Board for the LLBSP and how its outcomes would be measured. Members noted that the Board was made up of representatives from Leicestershire County Council, District Councils, Federation of Small Businesses, East Midlands Chamber, Make UK, the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector, the Higher Education and Further Education Sectors, Institute of Directors, and a senior officer observer from Rutland Council. In addition to this, private sector representatives from Everards of Leicestershire, Caterpillar Inc., Mighty Creatives, and HORIBA MIRA. The Board was responsible for representing local business perspectives in regional decision-making and working with local leaders to develop a comprehensive economic strategy for the area. As the Board had only been established in 2024, its key priorities and a business plan for delivery of these priorities were yet to be determined. It was expected that these priorities would become clear as discussions relating to shaping economic strategy for Leicester and Leicestershire developed.

(ii)        In response to a question relating to business rates and how the LLBSP would ensure a fair distribution of funding, members were informed that the LLBSP had no role relating to business rates distribution. Members noted that government guidance on the governance model for funding allocations was not clear. Before considering potential projects, the Board would be clear that governance was in place and that this aligned with both upper-tier authorities’ governance models. The Board would work with legal representatives from the authorities to ensure that its decision making did not undermine existing governance models. Engagement with district councils would continue to be undertaken through established local groups, economic development groups and business networking groups. Members emphasised the importance for providing clear evidence that public money was being invested fairly and transparently.

(iii)       In light of members concerns relating to uncertainties regarding board priorities and the governance model for funding allocations, it was agreed that a further report would be presented at a future meeting, once a clear business plan had been developed.

(iv)      A question was raised relating to Growing Places Funding for Desford Crossroads, including expenditure and the backstop date to return any unspent funds. The Growing Places Fund was a loan scheme put in place specifically to assist stalled transport and infrastructure projects in order to boost the local economy. It was agreed that the Chief Executive would provide information relating to this matter following the meeting.

(v)        Members noted that the Leicestershire Innovation Festival would take place in 2025. The annual festival would launch on Monday 31 March and was part of a programme of innovation-related activities across Leicester and Leicestershire. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the update provided on the work of the Business and Skills Partnership for Leicester and Leicestershire, be noted.

(b)       That a further report be provided at a future meeting regarding key priorities for the Business Board and an agreed governance model for funding allocations at a future meeting, once a clear business plan had been developed.

(c)        That the Chief Executive be requested to provide members with information relating to Growing Places Funding for Desford crossroads, including expenditure and the backstop date to return any unspent funds.