Purpose

New arrangements following the government
arrangements on changes to LEP functions

Content

To note that subject to meeting certain
conditions, the Government is looking to integrate a number of
existing LEP functions into UTLAs.
 
To note that to meet the conditions, and to
maintain a focus on the Solent area, Isle of Wight Council (IWC)
will need to work with Portsmouth City Council (PCC) and
Southampton City Council (SCC) to take on these functions through
the creation of a new joint UTLA Board.
 
To agree that subject to the 3 Solent UTLA
area being recognised by the Government as an area for LEP
integration, with appropriate due diligence, IWC should become a
Member of Solent Partners, a company limited by guarantee, that is
a successor body to the Solent LEP, to help drive economic growth
in the sub-region.  This agreement to be
conditional on PCC and SCC similarly agreeing to become Members of
Solent Partners.
 
To agree that IWC should not appoint a
Director to the Board of Solent Partners to ensure that there is no
conflict of interest with the wider governance needed for the new
LEP integration arrangements.  IWC,
along with the other two UTLAs will seek appropriate requirements
within the articles of Solent Partners to ensure representatives of
all three ULTAs are entitled to observe board meetings.
 
To note the proposed draft governance
structure attached as Appendix 1 that shows how IWC should work
with partners to achieve our economic growth ambitions which will
need to be outlined in an updated Solent 2050 Strategy.
 
To agree that subject of the agreement of all
three partners, PCC are confirmed as the Accountable Body for
Solent Partners. 
 
To agree that any existing LEP funding
disaggregated to the three Solent UTLAs can be pooled (subject to
agreement with PCC and SCC) for the benefit of economic growth of
the Solent region.
 
To agree that IWC, as one of the three UTLAs,
will work with partners to develop an agreement on how Solent
Partners will deliver economic growth for the functional economic
area.
 
That delegated authority be given to the Chief
Executive, and the Director of Finance and s151 Officer, acting
individually or collectively in consultation with the Leader to
agree the final details of the transfer of LEP functions to the
UTLAs including future governance arrangements.
 
To agree that IWC should seek to support the
creation of a Solent Economic Partnership, inviting adjacent
Districts and Boroughs, Hampshire County Council, and other key
public sector stakeholders, to enable Local Authorities leaders and
leaders within the business community to have a regular opportunity
to discuss and support economic growth in the region.