Agenda item - Chair's Communications

4.1         The Chair read the following statement:

“We are joined today by Phillip Carr from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.  As many of you will already be aware, Phillip is our new City Deal lead within Government’s Local Growth Team.  He is also the new Relationship Manager for the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.  I am sure that you will join me in welcoming Phillip.

On today’s agenda we have an item on Skills.  This discussion is being led by Councillor Tom Bewick, Chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Children, Young People and Skills Committee.  Cllr Bewick has a professional background in education, skills and enterprise policy and I would like to thank him for joining us today, to share his experience and perspective.  We are also joined by Sue Dare, Principal of Northbrook College.  Sue’s input will be invaluable and I would like to thank her for her time.”

4.2         Alex Bailey supplemented that much discussion was ongoing at both national and local level on devolution; the matter was being discussed in the House of Lords and HM Treasury had recently published a report ‘Fixing the Foundations’ that very usefully set out central government’s commitment to the devolvement of powers. Alex Bailey suggested a meeting in the autumn to discuss the matter further amongst a broader interest group.

4.3         The Chair stated that he had recently met with Greg Clarke MP who had been very responsive to discussion on the Greater Brighton region.

4.4         Councillor Theobald added that he had also spoken with a number of government ministers and it was clear that the duty was with the Greater Brighton region to put forward proposals.

4.5         Alex Bailey agreed adding that the proposals would need hard evidence and a business case.

4.6         Councillor Wall stated that he supported the proposal for a meeting in the autumn to discuss the matter fully.