Content

The
background for the decision is for West Northamptonshire Council
(WNC) to take on the role of host authority for the functions of
the South-East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), from
April 2024 on behalf of the six local authorities in the South-East
Midlands. This follows the Government’s decision in August
2023 to integrate LEP functions within local democratic
institutions.
 
The
decision:
1.    
Approves entering into
an agreement with West Northamptonshire Council in principle, in
relation to the delivery of the inherited

services, the funding, and the
liabilities with the intention that there will no cost to this
Council.
2.    
Agrees that as part of the Central Area
Growth Board (CAGB - proposed to become a Joint Committee) the
Council will retain responsibility for the strategic direction of
the former LEP responsibilities, including the growth hub, careers
hub, strategic economic planning and any future specific government
future programmes directed through the host authority, but that the
Council will delegate to WNC responsibility for delivering these
functions and programmes.
3.    
Requires WNC to undertake a 6-month
review of the LEP responsibilities.
4.    
Provides for future budgets to be
agreed annually by the CAGB (or a successor body).
5.    
Ensures that, in the event of a lack of
agreement between all six local authorities through the CAGB (or a
successor body), there are clear requirements for the termination
of the hosting arrangements which do not fetter the financial or
other interests of the Council.
6.    
Delegates authority to the Assistant
Director for Highways & Waste, in consultation with the
Executive Member for Growth & Regeneration and Executive
Director for Finance, to finalise the joint agreement with the
other local authorities, following resolution of discussions in
relation to potential past liabilities of SEMLEP and review of due
diligence work completed by WNC to date.