Agenda item - Economic Outlook for Greater Brighton

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)           That the Board acknowledges the need for a deep-dive into the Greater Brighton economy, so as to understand the sectors and geographic areas that are likely to be most impacted.

2)           That the Board agrees that due to the pressing need to act, the report will be circulated when ready even if this is outside of the usual Board cycle.

3)           That the Board supports the #BusinessSOS campaign submitted by the 300 BIDS asking Government for an urgent package of support for businesses.

13.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that set out the background and some of the key challenges of the current economic downturn and proposed responses the Region may undertake.

13.2      The following matters were raised during discussion of the item:

·       It was key that the Region acted as a collective lobbying voice as well as simultaneously data gathering for funding applications

·       Any data gathering should include the rural economy

·       Energy saving measures could be a key part in minimising cost of living increases for residents

·       The cost-of-living crisis was a national issue and there was currently an absence of national measures of mitigation

·       A Board action plan was required to ensure Members were aware of what measures could be taken to help the Region.

·       The Board could hold an urgent meeting to discuss any actions of plans

13.3      Resolved-

1)             That the Board acknowledges the need for a deep-dive into the Greater Brighton economy, so as to understand the sectors and geographic areas that are likely to be most impacted.

2)             That the Board agrees that due to the pressing need to act, the report will be circulated when ready even if this is outside of the usual Board cycle.

3)             That the Board supports the #BusinessSOS campaign submitted by the 300 BIDS asking Government for an urgent package of support for businesses.