Issue - meetings

In May 2021 the Government announced it will publish a landmark Levelling Up White Paper, “articulating how bold new policy interventions will improve opportunity and boost livelihoods across the country as we recover from the pandemic.  The White Paper - which will be led by the Prime Minister - will focus on challenges including improving living standards, growing the private sector and increasing and spreading opportunity”.

In readiness for this White Paper, this Cabinet report showcases several excellent recent studies that help to explain why Levelling Up is important for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and how it can support our current and future work. These studies also help us to have some early sight on what our Levelling Up needs and aspirations may be.

This Cabinet report also provides a brief update on the development of the Skills Commission (a key early action to support Levelling Up) and sets out a series of proposed next steps for approval to ensure there is an agreed, evidenced based council-wide approach that is complimentary to and supports the delivery of existing council policies and strategies. 

RESOLVED that the proposed approach to Levelling Up be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Development, Growth and Regeneration

Reason

Levelling Up the country is one of Government’s key policy aims. The council’s Big Plan and Corporate Strategy speak to the same agenda. The recommendation, if approved, will enable BCP Council to better understand our needs and aspirations around Levelling Up and consider how they relate to the Corporate Strategy and other council strategies, so that we are well positioned for the publication of the Government’s White Paper, and any future funding opportunities that may arise

The Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration and the Leader Member for Levelling Up and Skills presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was informed that in May 2021 the Government announced it will publish a landmark Levelling Up White Paper, “articulating how bold new policy interventions will improve opportunity and boost livelihoods across the country as we recover from the pandemic, and that the White Paper - which will be led by the Prime Minister - will focus on challenges including improving living standards, growing the private sector and increasing and spreading opportunity”.

Cabinet was advised that in readiness for this White Paper, this Cabinet report showcases several excellent recent studies that help to explain why Levelling Up is important for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and how it can support our current and future work, and that these studies also help us to have some early sight on what our Levelling Up needs and aspirations may be.

Further to this Cabinet was informed that the Cabinet report also provides a brief update on the development of the Skills Commission (a key early action to support Levelling Up) and sets out a series of proposed next steps for approval to ensure there is an agreed, evidenced based council-wide approach that is complimentary to and supports the delivery of existing council policies and strategies.

A number of Cabinet and Lead Members spoke in support of the report recognising the challenges but highlighting the tremendous opportunities.

In addition, thanks was expressed to the Officers for pulling together the report particularly as the white paper has not yet been released. 

RESOLVED that the proposed approach to Levelling Up be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Development, Growth and Regeneration