Purpose

To seek approval for the integration of
functions from the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership into the
Council

Content

The Leader of the
Council/Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial
Operations presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated
to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these
Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that government has set out its expectation
that Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) will receive no further
funding and provided guidance as to how their remaining functions
should be integrated into Local Authorities, and that Council
officers from BCP Council and Dorset Council (the accountable body
for Dorset LEP) have worked through the detail, implications and
necessary actions to support integration of functions where
possible from Dorset LEP (DLEP).
Cabinet was
informed that the DLEP board unanimously supported a report
outlining this on 28th November 2024, and that further work is now
needed to ensure the actions identified in this report are
completed on or before the end of March 2025, including the
allocation of any remaining funds and how these will be split
between the two Councils, facilitating the closedown of DLEP.
Cabinet was advised
that this report sets out this work and next steps.
A councillor
addressed the Cabinet expressing his disappointment with the report
and its lack of clarity. In particular concern was expressed with
regards to Boscombe Skills Hub and the link with the Towns Fund. In
relation to this the councillor spoke in support of bringing the
work back in house. Further comments were raised around
devolution.
In relation to this
the Leader advised that we were in a position of limbo with the
skills and growth area of governance as the government has been
very clear that it wants to close down the LEPs, which has been
done across the county with functions going back to local
authorities with no commitment to funding these from government.
Further to this the Leader advised that rather than shutting things
down altogether that there will be a growth board which will bring
together the voices of businesses, business leaders and
stakeholders.
RESOLVED that
Cabinet: -

(a)         
Approved the steps taken to integrate relevant LEP
functions to BCP Council in line with Government guidance and
contractual obligations;

(b)         
Approved the intent for the Council member of the
LEP board to resign from it on or before end of March
2025;

(c)         
Delegates responsibility to the Chief Operations
Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination,
Leisure and Commercial Operations to ensure:

                  
i)            
that this work is completed on or before 31st March
2025, and that it is cost neutral to the Council;

                  
ii)          
BCP Council receives its share of remaining DLEP
funds, and all future Government funding sent to Dorset Council as
its Accountable Body;

                  
iii)        
the creation of a new BCP Growth Board
Voting: Unanimous
Portfolio Holders: Leader of the Council
Portfolio Holder
for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations
Reason
To follow government guidance and to establish a
new BCP Growth Board to articulate and drive forward the local
economic priorities and the growth agenda for Bournemouth,
Christchurch and Poole.