Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which sought approval to adopt the County Durham Inclusive Economic Strategy (IES), developed through the County Durham Economic Partnership (CDEP) (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

Mr Glyn Llewellyn, Chair of the County Durham Economic Partnership was in attendance to present County Durham’s first inclusive Economic Strategy. Mr Llewellyn explained that the strategy had been co-developed with residents, businesses, the voluntary and community sector. It provided a clear framework for delivering a step change in economic growth that would be inclusive for all communities. It was bold and ambitious, yet deliverable and realistic. The plan addressed both intermediate and long-term opportunities and challenges and looked forward to the 2035 economic vision. The strategy built on work already underway to create a step change in economic growth to match the aspirations of communities and residents and deliver tangible change to peoples lives. The strategy provided a clear vision for the future which had been defined and agreed by all partners. Delivering the vision could only be achieved as working as one.

In moving the report, Councillor E Scott, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy and Partnerships explained that the Economic Strategy was a huge step forward for County Durham and the first ever Economic Strategy for the Council. There were significant strengths in the economy and the Council would continue to invest in people, places and employment sites to create more and better jobs. The Council would always be a driver for the economy but it was vital that all partners and anchor institutions worked together, focussing on a single agreed vision which the strategy provided. The strategy also set out how it would be delivered and was based on evidence, it responded to what communities and business had fed back through the comprehensive e-conversation and provided a clear road map for delivery. Councillor E Scott thanked all staff and the County Durham Economic Partnership for all their hard work.

Councillor J Rowlandson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources, Investment and Assets seconded the recommendation in the report and informed Cabinet that the strategy provided an understanding of the County economy but also presented a bold, deliverable view of the future. The delivery plan approach set out in the report provided a clear framework for all partners to work together to find new creative solutions. It was an approach for the strategy to be a living document which would be updated and reviewed regularly to reflect any changes in national trends within the economy and opportunities locally.

Councillor R Bell welcomed the first strategy of its type for County Durham and explained that the economic strategy would allow flexibility to respond and take advantage of opportunities whenever they arose, particularly in the current turbulent economic times. Councillor Bell also highlighted the need of a strategy for rural communities such as Stanhope and Middleton in Teesdale which had seen no public economic investment since the 1980s.

Resolved:

That the recommendation in the report be approved.