Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director - Growth and Economy

Purpose of report

This report advises on the use of the delegated authority granted in January 2023 for the Council to make Pledges towards the implementation of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) Charter.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To re-confirm Cherwell District Council’s commitment to the adoption of twelve pledges (Appendix Two) aligned with OIEP 2023-24 and to support delivery of the pledges through  appropriate services areas.

1.2         To delegate engagement with and membership of the OIEP Steering Group and Working Groups on behalf of the Council to Corporate Director – Communities, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration.

Resolved

(1)          That Cherwell District Council’s commitment to the adoption of twelve pledges (Annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) aligned with Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) 2023-24 and to support delivery of the pledges through  appropriate services areas.

(2)          That engagement with and membership of the OIEP Steering Group and Working Groups on behalf of the Council be delegated to the Corporate Director – Communities, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration.

The Assistant Director - Growth and Economy submitted a report that advised on the use of the delegated authority granted in January 2023 for the Council to make Pledges towards the implementation of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) Charter.

Resolved

(1)            That Cherwell District Council’s commitment to the adoption of twelve pledges (Annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) aligned with Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) 2023-24 and to support delivery of the pledges through appropriate services areas.

(2)            That engagement with and membership of the OIEP Steering Group and Working Groups on behalf of the Council be delegated to the Corporate Director – Communities, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration.

Reasons

The OIEP has developed a Charter as a statement of shared commitment to creating a more inclusive local economy, reflecting the ambitions of partners from throughout the county to enable everybody to be economically active within stronger, more sustainable communities. To enact the Charter, partners are invited to make pledges towards it and this Council has led by example.

The Council’s Inclusive Communities plan will ensure that the Council can commit to delivering its pledges in 2023-24.

By implementing these pledges, the Council will demonstrate good practice and encourage other organisations and businesses through continuing its active participation in the OIEP.

Alternative Options

Option 1: Not to pledge towards delivering Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership’s Charter. This was rejected because it would suggest that the Council is not committed to the creation of an inclusive economy. By not gaining external recognition of its own inclusive policies, it would also miss an opportunity to encourage others to engage and would therefore restrict its ambition to tackle the significant issues being faced by residents who are not currently benefitting as fully as they might from any increasing prosperity within the local economy. 

Option 2: To make alternative pledges to Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership’s Charter. This was rejected because the Council should firstly identify pledges that are realistically achievable within existing resources. It is expected that in future years, additional pledges could be considered, subject to resource availability.