Agenda item

To update Cabinet on the continued positive benefits of the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB) partnership and to seek support for its refreshed strategic priorities and delivery plan, whilst noting that funding is not secured to deliver the activities identified.

RESOLVED that Cabinet -

(a)    supports the District Council’s continued involvement in the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB), at which the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism represents the Authority;

(b)    supports the North Essex’s Strategic Narrative and Delivering for North Essex based upon four key strategic priorities produced for the NEEB, as set out in the appendices to the Portfolio Holder’s report for the economic benefit of the District; and

(c)    notes that the majority of the NEEB’s Action Plan to support the Delivery Plan is unfunded and there are no financial commitments to the Council, in supporting the strategic priorities.

Cabinet considered a report of the Economic Growth, Regeneration & Tourism Portfolio Holder (A.4), which updated it on the continued positive benefits of the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB) partnership and sought its support for its refreshed strategic priorities and delivery plan, whilst noting that funding was not secured to deliver the activities identified.

Members were aware that the NEEB was a partnership of councils across mid-and north Essex, who were working together to make the area more prosperous.  The partnership provided cohesive strategic oversight of North Essex’s diverse, inclusive and productive economic priorities, ensuring tangible actions were delivered to support residents’ and businesses’ goals and aspirations. Promoting the region’s potential, the NEEB presented the strong strategic rationale for further central Government and private sector investment, needed to deliver North Essex’s long-term ambitions.

It was reported that NEEB partners had recently commissioned an updated North Essex economic strategy. This update reflected Maldon and Chelmsford Councils joining NEEB, the post-COVID landscape and current economic shocks and brought the strategy up to date with the current economic environment. 

Members noted that there were also talks with regards to Harlow and Epping Forest District Councils joining NEEB and this would be reflected upon at a later date.

Cabinet was informed that Henham Strategy Ltd had been appointed, via a thorough and a robust procurement process, to deliver the refreshed strategy and delivery plan. Extensive evidence gathering consisting of strategic analysis, data scrutiny and stakeholder workshops had facilitated the development of the refreshed strategy and delivery plan. Officers from the partner authorities had been involved at every stage of this work to ensure parity in representation of need and opportunity.

The refreshed NEEB strategy and delivery plan set out the following:-

North Essex Vision

‘A proactive, productive and progressive North Essex that advances it economic potential through inward and outward-facing partnerships, with all residents, businesses and visitors benefitting from the region’s economic prosperity.’

North Essex’s Strategic Priorities

“Innovative businesses and skilled residents - A resilient and outward-facing economy that builds on its incumbent strengths and is positioned to deliver economic opportunities for North Essex’s residents, and drive inward investment to support businesses within the region’s critical growth sectors.

A greener and high growth economy - A forward-looking economy that utilises the diversity of its resources in a sustainable way that furthers North Essex’s clean energy strengths, boosts growth, and promotes residents’ prosperity through net zero commitments.

A dynamic and connected region - A well-connected and digitally-linked region that provides residents with quick and reliable access to key services, encourages inward investment, and makes the most of ties to regional and international neighbours.

Prosperous and inclusive communities - A thriving and inclusive region where all residents and businesses have the opportunity to contribute and prosper, exemplifying the region as a great place to live, work and visit.”

A series of workshops had taken place during 2023 to develop specific actions to support the two-year delivery plan and ensure its success.

In order to ensure a continued partnership with North Essex Local Authorities and Essex County Council and help to provide greater opportunities for local businesses and to support economic growth in the District:-

It was moved by Councillor I J Henderson, seconded by Councillor Baker and:-

RESOLVED that Cabinet -

(a)    supports the District Council’s continued involvement in the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB), at which the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism represents the Authority;

(b)    supports the North Essex’s Strategic Narrative and Delivering for North Essex based upon four key strategic priorities produced for the NEEB, as set out in the appendices to the Portfolio Holder’s report for the economic benefit of the District; and

(c)    notes that the majority of the NEEB’s Action Plan to support the Delivery Plan is unfunded and there are no financial commitments to the Council, in supporting the strategic priorities.