Agenda item - Greater Brighton COVID 19 Impact Assessment

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)             That the Board note the high-level findings of the report on the economy of the region, the sector analysis and the review of the Board’s Five-Year priorities and recommendations in light of the impact of COVID 19.

2)             That the Board agree that an Action Plan against the recommendations is brought the Board at the next meeting in October, following engagement with the Board and partners.

5.1          The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that presented the economic, social and health impacts of COVID-19 to the Greater Brighton region and initial recommendations towards co-ordinating sustainable recovery at a City Region level.

5.2          Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that the pandemic would undoubtably have very serious impacts however, he believed there were reasons to have optimism. The Institute for Public Policy Research had estimated that a drive to insulate homes and fit low carbo heating could create 1.6 million jobs and the LGA had estimated that a low-carbon and renewable energy economy could create nearly 700 jobs by 2030. Councillor Mac Cafferty explained that brave steps taken by the Greater Brighton region in changing the focus of the economy could enhance the economy for the long-term. 

5.3          Councillor Nicholson stated that many businesses were very close to cashflow difficulties and there may be opportunity for the Region to use its financial power to establish a regional public bank to support businesses. Councillor Nicholson observed that the food and hospitality sectors were two of those that would suffer the highest impact of the pandemic and an economic plan was perhaps needed for those sectors.

5.4          Councillor Platts stated that she was very concerned for employment prospects for young people. The Greater Brighton region had, through its colleges and universities an opportunity to train people to become experts in emerging fields and by working together, that could be achieved.

5.5          Andrew Swayne stated that the region needed to act at speed to respond to the pandemic and its impacts and that would include such matters as accelerating the water and energy plans.

5.6          RESOLVED-

1)             That the Board note the high-level findings of the report on the economy of the region, the sector analysis and the review of the Board’s Five-Year priorities and recommendations in light of the impact of COVID 19.

2)             That the Board agree that an Action Plan against the recommendations is brought the Board at the next meeting in October, following engagement with the Board and partners.