Issue - meetings

Report of Executive Director for Place and Growth

Purpose of report

To seek approval for Cherwell District Council to join the Central Area Growth Board, a newly established body which has been created by local authorities involved in the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor to assist coordination of activities aiming to support the development of the corridor.

Recommendations

Within the context of the National Infrastructure Commission and Government’s work on the Cambridge - Milton Keynes - Oxford corridor, the meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To agree that the Council becomes a full member of the Central Area Growth Board, adopting the Terms of Reference (Appendix 1).

1.2         To agree that the Council commits to an associated contribution of £5k of ongoing revenue to support the work of the Growth Board.

Resolved

(1)          That within the context of the National Infrastructure Commission and Government’s work on the Cambridge - Milton Keynes - Oxford corridor, it be agreed that Cherwell District Council becomes a full member of the Central Area Growth Board, adopting the Terms of Reference (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book).

(2)          That it be agreed that the Council commits to an associated contribution of £5k of ongoing revenue to support the work of the Growth Board.

The Executive Director for Place and Growth submitted a report to seek approval for Cherwell District Council to join the Central Area Growth Board, a newly established body which has been created by local authorities involved in the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor to assist coordination of activities aiming to support the development of the corridor.

Resolved

(1)          That within the context of the National Infrastructure Commission and Government’s work on the Cambridge - Milton Keynes - Oxford corridor, it be agreed that Cherwell District Council becomes a full member of the Central Area Growth Board, adopting the Terms of Reference (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book).

(2)          That it be agreed that the Council commits to an associated contribution of £5k of ongoing revenue to support the work of the Growth Board.

Reasons

To demonstrate its commitment to regional working and to be an active partner within the Cambridge - Milton Keynes - Oxford corridor, Cherwell District Council has been actively engaging in discussions to establish a Central Area Growth Board across the ‘middle’ of the corridor. This will sit alongside the arrangements already in place for Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Establishing a Growth Board demonstrates to government that authorities across the South East Midlands area, based on the SEMLEP footprint, of which Cherwell District Council is a member committed to delivering a step change in sub-regional collaboration. The Growth Board will allow the area to speak with a single voice to government on cross-boundary issues, matters of sub-regional importance and coordinate any ‘Housing and Growth deals’ agreed across the sub region.

Alternative options

Option 1: Not to approve joining the Board

Establishing joint working at the two ends of the corridor (ie: Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire) has played a significant role in securing investment, flexibilities and commitments from government. Doing nothing would mean that South Northants would not have a voice in similar regional discussions.

Additionally, for Cherwell, as both East-West rail and the proposed Expressway are likely to pass through Cherwell into Aylesbury District, there is merit in participating in a Board which brings together the Councils which lie to the east of Oxfordshire.

Option 2: Become a full member of the Central Area Growth Board

Working in partnership is an important means by which the Councils priorities are secured. Collaborating and proactively planning for growth through the forum of a Growth Board will allow regional partners to proactively shape the future growth of their areas, rather than having growth imposed from above.

By becoming a full member of the Central Area Growth Board, the Council will be an active participant in contributing to the agenda for strategic planning, economic development and infrastructure planning in the central part of the corridor which is taking shape.