Amanda Ratsey (Head of Economy Enterprise and Employment) introduced the item and highlighted the following points:

a)     A change of Government policy meant LEPs would not be funded going forward and the functions would be folded into relevant upper tier authorities;

b)    The functions were: the growth board, the economic strategy and the listed projects which were already delivered by the Council.

The Cabinet agreed to:

1.     Approve the proposed Integration Plan (subject to minor changes) for the Health of the Southwest Local Enterprise Partnership (HOTSWLEP) and the transfer of the LEP functions to the Council by 1 April 2024;

2.     Authorise the Strategic Director for Place to approve the transfer arrangement and agreements with Somerset, Devon and Torbay Council’s that cover operational implementation of the LEP functions, and the allocations of LEP residual funding, resources, and assets to the four councils;

3.     Accept any transition funding and resources for Plymouth from the allocated government funding.