URL: https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=814

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

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.  

Date of Decision: January 15, 2025