Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on the publication of the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper (the Strategy), the potential implications and opportunities for Halton and the impact on the Liverpool City Region.

The Board was advised that the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper, “Building a Britain Fit for the Future”, was published in November 2017 and considered the role of Government in boosting the UK economy, embracing technology and the use of public procurement initiatives and the regulatory environment to support business. It was reported that the White Paper was a significant document because it set the agenda for economic policy over the period of the current Parliament and beyond.

The White Paper also confirmed that the Government would be pressing ahead with a series of Sector Deals, with construction, life sciences, automotive and artificial intelligence the first to benefit from a strategic, long-term partnership with Government.

In the Strategy, the Government had identified four “Grand Challenges”, which were global trends that would shape the rapidly changing future. The report considered the impact of the Strategy for Halton,  how businesses could benefit and the role of devolved authorities and partners in the delivery of elements of the economic strategy. Members noted that Liverpool City Region (LCR) Combined Authority could be in the first wave of areas to be invited to complete a Local Industrial Strategy which would identify the allocation of resources and funding. It was noted that work had already been undertaken in the LCR in preparation and that it was intended that local organisations, businesses, education establishments and local government would determine local growth priorities.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the Industrial Strategy be used to inform Halton’s future regeneration activities; and

2)    Members agree to the Council working with the Combined Authority to ensure that a future Liverpool City Region Local Industrial Strategy reflects the Borough’s regeneration priorities and opportunities.