Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which provided an update on the County Durham Inclusive Economic Strategy (IES) adopted by the council in late 2022 and the associated Delivery Plan adopted in late 2023. The report also provided an update on the implementation of the IES and progress towards its targets (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

Councillor E Scott, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy and Partnerships thanked the Corporate Director and her staff for embracing the ambitions of the Joint Administration and to those who had worked tirelessly with partners to make great things happen in the County.

The development of the Inclusive Economic Strategy had been a major priority and commitment for the Joint Administration and there was now a coherent focus and ambitious long-term vision for County Durham, developed with, and endorsed by all partners and stakeholders, and driving real change. The future vision was allied to the County Durham Plan.

Alongside the ambition for growth, the Council had allocated land needed to support growth. Through the development of an investment framework, the Council had focused on maximising public and private sector funding into the County. The delivery plan model was driving, tangible change. In short, the foundations had been laid for a better economic future for all communities in County Durham.

The report highlighted the impact of the inclusive economic strategy to date and the driving of transformative inclusive growth against virtually all indicators. County Durham was in a much better place economically and more residents were in work. The gap was being bridged with the national average. The report also showed the benefits being reaped following brave decisions made on devolution, with new investment underpinning many of the activities in the delivery plan. County Durham was turning a corner from an era of long-term disadvantage to a place with a range of long term opportunities and huge potential.

Great strides had been made in recent years to show what the County offered and the Council were finally being recognised by investors and visitors. There was a need to work in partnership to continue and build momentum, with everyone pulling together in the same direction.

Councillor Scott, fully endorsed the update and supported the recommendation to review and update the Inclusive Economic Strategy Delivery Plan in the coming months and would look forward to working with colleagues and partners to develop clear plans for the next few years.

Councillor J Rowlandson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources, Investments and Assets seconded the report. Councillor Rowlandson said that the progress was testament to the inclusive economic strategy and how important it was for County Durham. The strategy had the power to unite all stakeholders, partners, businesses and communities around a shared future. There had been a laser focus on delivery with clearly defined actions targeted at achieving real outcomes. Significant progress made in one year alone was a clear indication of this approach. Given the significant changes that had taken place since the delivery plan was adopted, with a new government and even more of a focus on devolution of power and funding to the region, it was an opportune time later in the year to review the delivery plans. This would allow the establishment of a new series of activities which would ensure that the Council continued to drive the economic growth.

Councillor M Wilkes, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change wished to place on record his thanks to Councillor Scott and Rowlandson for the way they had implemented the art of possible, for demonstrating enthusiasm and promoting positivity.

The Leader of the Council placed on record, her thanks to the outgoing Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth, Amy Harhoff and the Head of Economic Development, Andy Kerr in delivering the Inclusive Economic Strategy and wished them both well in their future careers to those organisations who have employed them in more Senior posts.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be agreed.