Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Economic Growth Team Manager, who presented the West Lindsey Economic Growth Strategy 2025-2030 and draft Action Plan for approval. It was highlighted that the aim of the strategy was to build on the successes of the Economic Recovery Plan 2021 to 2024 and foster a dynamic, vibrant, resilient and inclusive economy that supported sustainable growth, met the challenges of climate change and fulfilled the economic potential of the district, benefiting all communities and confirming West Lindsey’s role in the wider regional economy.

As part of the development of the new strategy an Economic Growth Strategy Task and Finish Group was established, with cross-party membership and representation from across the district. The purpose of the group was to provide an informal steering and collaboration forum for the development of the emerging strategy, exploring and identifying direction at each identified ‘collaboration point’ to inform the composition of the next element of the strategy. The final meeting of the group had taken place in June, and Members had reflected on the work of the group to date and made observations linked to final working draft strategy and Action Plan. In accordance with the group’s terms of reference, the Economic Growth Strategy Task and Finish Group would now be disbanded.

The Committee received details as to how the strategy would be delivered, as well as the tracking and monitoring of delivery and measurable outcomes. Progress would be reported annually via summary information and case studies where relevant.

Members of the Committee expressed their thanks to the officers involved, as well as the Members of the task and finish group, recognising their input to what was a wide ranging and ambitious strategy. There was widespread praise for the strategy itself and the implications of what it would bring to the district. in response to a question regarding maintaining momentum and encouraging further education and skills provision to return to the area, Members were assured that conversations were underway, with partners understanding the importance of retaining young people and their skills within West Lindsey.

With Members again reiterating their thanks to all involved, as well as highlighting the successes achieved so far, and excitement for the future, the recommendations contained within the report were duly proposed and seconded. On taking the vote, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that

a)    the Economic Growth Strategy 2025-2030 and draft Action Plan be approved; and

b)    an annual infographic update on progress against the strategy be circulated via the Members Newsletter; and

c)    the Economic Growth Strategy Task and Finish Group be disbanded.