Agenda item - Greater Brighton Recovery Report and Action Plan

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

15.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that present the results of rapid research by consultants as a snapshot of the City Region economy as it emerged from the pandemic and the results of the associated workshop held.

15.2      In response to a question from Andrew Swayne, Caroline Hayes stated that the furlough scheme had ended two weeks previously, so it was difficult to interpret any impacts at this early stage. There was an apparent slow down in economic growth that would hinder companies’ ability to increase their workforce.

15.3      In response to questions from Councillor Mac Cafferty and Councillor Allcock, Caroline Hatch explained that a higher number of young professionals were moving to London that was demonstrated in the rise of 1 – 2 bedroom properties. Middle aged professionals were much more likely to be able to adopt hybrid working arrangements and were therefore seeking property outside of the capital as the need to be physically present in their workplace was much reduced. This trend had seen a rise in the demand for and prices of property on a local level.

15.4      Board Members engaged in a wide-ranging debate on its strategic goals and priorities and reflected upon how it should operate as a collective unit.

15.5      Councillor Humphreys moved a motion that Local Authority Leaders be invited to the Officer Programme Board to discuss the matter.

15.6      Following a vote, the motion was carried.

15.7      RESOLVED-

1)             That the Board note the findings of the research, carried out by Hatch (appendix 1)

2)             That the Board note that the draft action plan is still in an early form, and work will commence to broaden the scope of the plan to reflect the regional projects and ambition.

3)             That the Board delegate authority to the Greater Brighton Programme Board to continue working on the draft action plan, taking into account any Board Member discussion and reflecting strategic steer on priorities given at this meeting, and seek sign off via Local Authority CEOs and Board Business Partners at the appropriate time, so that work can commence at pace. Local Authority Leaders would be invited to a meeting to discuss and input into the draft action plan.

4)             That the Board delegate authority to the Greater Brighton Programme Board to oversee the delivery of the action plan and monitor and evaluate progress.

2.1          That the Board note that work has begun to source a live data feed to inform future decision making.