Decision details

To note and approve the required timescales and associated activities in relation to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) drawing to a close on 31 March 2024, with the transfer of localised responsibilities passing to East Sussex County Council.

26.1     The Leader and Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

DECISIONS

26.2     The Leader and Lead Member RESOLVED to:

(1) Approve the draft East Sussex Integration Plan set out in Appendix 2 of the report;

(2) Note it is proposed that, subject to Government Guidance, Team East Sussex will continue to operate after 31 March 2024 in an advisory capacity as the recognised business-led strategic economic growth board for East Sussex; and

(3) Delegate authority to the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport to:

a) Take all required actions to implement the East Sussex Integration Plan;

b) Update the East Sussex Integration Plan as required following the release of further government guidance on the transfer of Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) functions to Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs);

c) Negotiate and agree terms of any required agreements with Essex County Council and / or central government to give effect to the transfer of LEP functions to East Sussex County Council; and

d) Take all other actions necessary to give effect to the recommendations in the report.

REASONS

26.3     The government has made the decision to allocate non-statutory LEP responsibilities to UTLAs by 31 March 2024. The Council has a successful track record in developing, delivering and evaluating impactful economic growth initiatives in the county and a proven ability to convene partners and stakeholders to work together for the benefit of local businesses and residents. However, to ensure the smooth transfer of LEP functions within the required timescales, it is imperative the Council works with SELEP to plan the transition arrangements.

26.4     Delegation of authority to the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport to update the Integration Plan as required will ensure that the plan reflects any requirements set out in government guidance as well as the updated Assurance Framework which is anticipated to be published by government prior to the end of the financial year.

26.5     The LEP transition will give the Council the opportunity to build on the existing management and oversight of the capital programme, through which it has successfully met ongoing financial, legal and reporting requirements since SELEP was formed, whilst enabling a more localised oversight and decision-making process through the introduction and maintenance of additional governance and programme management functions. To achieve this, a number of legal agreements are anticipated to be required, both with Essex County Council and the Government.