Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth whichprovided an overview of the County Durham economy, considering the baseline conditions prior to March 2020, and the additional challenges faced by the Covid pandemic and Brexit (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillor Marshall commented that the report proposed a long term, evidence-based, economic strategy and identified a number of national funding streams which the Council will pursue, as it is clear that the impact of the pandemic will take years to realise.  He highlighted key priority areas including the growth of the rural economy and the importance of education, training and skills, and spoke of his hope that the government will work with the Council to deliver the programme.

Councillor Shaw pointed out that Durham has much to offer new businesses and he provided assurance that the Council will continue to ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support new jobs, including the availability of housing.  He raised concerns that the government’s new methodology in respect of the levelling-up fund will not target areas of deprivation.  Cabinet members provided views that the government funding requested is fair, in order to attract more jobs and improve aspirations, and, called upon the government to provide the necessary investment required to level-up the county.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.