Minutes:
Martin Beasley, Economic Policy Manager, Economic Regeneration, was welcomed to the meeting to speak about the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Strategic Economic Plan and Devolution update. Key issues to note included:
· This is an economic deal. The SCR single pot for economic growth includes the £30m x 30 years allocation.
· The Combined Authority (CA) Mayoral governance remit will not have powers over the Police and Health Services.
· Full devolution of the Adult Skills Budget for college and training providers and co-design and co-commissioning of new employment programmes
· The directly elected Mayor and CA will receive powers from Whitehall rather than aggregate powers from local areas.
· Skills, infrastructure, housing and business growth are key objectives.
· There is much to be negotiated over the coming months, with the current Spending Review process a significant issue.
It was highlighted that Barnsley will be leading on the £3.8m business start up programme. The Business Plan will be submitted by 4th December. Chesterfield, North-East Derbyshire and Bolsover have pulled out due to financial constraints.
It was reported that as Barnsley borders West Yorkshire it is also involved with the Leeds City Region (LCR) partnership, where a much simpler approach is used.
It was pointed out that the North Area Council has contributed to the skills development objective with the Internship project. The Enterprising Young People project has also been very successful.
RESOLVED that a workshop will be set up in each Ward to test out ideas for skills and business development and to identify gaps.
Martin Beasley was thanked for his attendance and contribution.