Issue - meetings

The Cabinet is asked to agree the recommendations as set out in the attached key decision report.

The Chairman of the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee will be invited to speak for up to three minutes to provide the views of their Committee.

Each of the main Minority Group Leaders will be invited to speak for up to three minutes each on the report.

The Cabinet will then discuss the report and proposals prior to taking any decision.

Following consideration of the report, Cabinet resolved to:

1.   approve the adoption of the West Sussex County Council Economy Reset Plan 2020-2024

2.   confirm the Economic Growth Plan 2018-2023 has been superseded by the Economy Reset Plan 2020-2024.

The call-in deadline is 3 December 2020.

47.1     Report by the Executive Director Place Services. The report was introduced by Cllr Bob Lanzer, Cabinet Member for Economy and Corporate Resources which outlined the council’s economy reset plan 2020-24, which would supersede the current Economic Growth Plan.

47.2     Cllr Joy Dennis, Chairman of the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee said that the Committee had looked at the plan in September and that this was an important part of the overall reset planning. She highlighted the importance of signposting for skills, digital technologies, opportunities in coastal areas for tourism and promotion of the rural economy through small businesses. The Committee felt it was vital that members work closely with MPs.

47.3     Cllr Dr James Walsh, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group mentioned the effect of Brexit coupled with Covid-19 on the South East economy. He felt it was important to reskill existing workforces through engagement with further education and universities and questioned whether the Arundel chord rail line had been considered as a further option to promote West Sussex for leisure and tourism.

47.4     Cllr Michael Jones, Leader of the Labour Group mentioned small independent businesses and the hospitality sector which had been adversely affected by a second national lockdown. He highlighted the longer-term implications for young people, particularly school leavers who may become NEET (not in education, employment or training) and felt additional support was required. He noted that as well as being an enabler, West Sussex is a big contributor to the economy.

47.5     The Leader summarised that WSCC was both an influencer and enabler in the reset of the economy. The West Sussex economy reset plan was a critical document in the restoration, protection and growth of West Sussex.

47.6     Resolved –

1.   That Cabinet approves the adoption of the West Sussex County Council Economy Reset Plan 2020-2024

2.   That Cabinet confirms the Economic Growth Plan 2018-2023 has been superseded by the Economy Reset Plan 2020-2024.