Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 11, 2024

Purpose: S&R 12/3/24 agreed to consider the draft Growth Plan in late Summer 2024. 

Content: 9.1 The Executive Director City Futures submitted a report seeking approval to the adoption of the Sheffield Growth Plan 2025-35.   The report stated that throughout 2024, Sheffield City Council had developed a Sheffield Growth Plan 2025-35, based on economic evidence and considerable stakeholder engagement.  This builds on the draft principles and strategic priorities set out in the ‘Growth Framework’, which was agreed by Strategy and Resources Committee in March 2024 as a basis for the plan.  This report outlines the development of the Growth Plan since then and seeks Strategy and Resources approval of the final Plan and its endorsement of the proposals for the delivery of the Plan.     9.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) approves the adoption of the Sheffield Growth Plan 2025-35 as set out in Appendix A, noting how the Growth Plan builds on the Growth Framework which was endorsed by Strategy and Resources Policy Committee earlier this year;   (b) thanks stakeholders for their comments and insights provided on the draft Growth Plan as part of two phases of engagement in its development;   (c) requests that Economic Development and Skills Committee and Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee consider the Growth Plan and its implications at their committees and lead on implementation which falls within their remit;   (d) notes the work of Economic Development and Skills Committee and Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee in developing the thematic strategic plans which sit below the Growth Plan;   (e) endorses the development of an Investment Plan to guide deliver and the formation of an ‘Invest in Growth Compact’ as set out in the Growth Plan section ‘Making it happen Together’; and   (f) endorses the action areas detail in section 2.16 of the report to utilise the Council’s resources, convening and direct powers to support the delivery of the growth, subject to the scheme of delegation.     9.3 Reasons for Decision     9.3.1 This is a pivotal moment in Sheffield’s growth journey. Sheffield has ambitious plans for the future of its economy.  Bringing these together into a coherent plan to communicate the city’s priorities benefits the city’s partners, investors and Sheffield citizens.  It helps to identify areas of joint working and investment opportunities and sets out the Council’s commitment to the city’s prosperity.     9.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     9.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do not develop a growth plan. This was rejected due to the needs of the city, and the need identified in the LGA Peer Review, for a strong and visible statement of ambition that brings together the city’s regeneration plans for partners, investors, elected members and citizens.      9.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Continue with a suite of strategies and action plans with no overarching plan. This was rejected due to the opportunity to create a coherent narrative across various areas of economic and regeneration activity. In doing so, the narrative can connect the city’s growth ambitions, partnerships, investment and community engagement to better support and improve the quality of life of the people of Sheffield.