Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: June 24, 2025

Purpose: To consider and agree a refresh of the Council’s strategy for economic growth. This will encompass the functions to be taken over by the Council from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership in accordance with devolution and promote the needs and actions required to drive forward the economy in the Dorset Council area.   To endorse the proposal for use of the Rural England Prosperity Fund extension for FY 2026 and delegate authority for its implementation.  

Content: (a)           That the Economic Growth Strategy be approved   (b)           That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, to approve final document design and minor textual changes.   (c)           That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, in consultation with the Executive Director for Place Services and the Director of Legal and Democratic, to finalise the terms of reference and any other required governance for the Dorset Growth Board.   (d)           That the roles that several Dorset Council services need to play in supporting improved economic growth, be noted.   (e)           Cabinet endorsed the allocation of the £0.62m Dorset Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) FY2026 extension funds, on a 50/50 basis, to two interventions previously funded by REPF, that complement the Shared Prosperity Fund extension interventions approved by Cabinet on 25 January 2025:   a.    Advice and support to business (productivity grants) and b.    Zero Carbon Business Support (DC Zero Carbon Dorset grants)   Reason for the decision   The Economic Growth Strategy was a significant document which was being produced at a critical time. World economics were currently very fluid, and the council was aware of a wide range of economic challenges and opportunities was it sought to create a more prosperous and more sustainable Dorset for current and future generations.