To seek endorsement of the Local Growth Fund Round 3 (LGF3) and Large Local Major Scheme (LLMS) bid submissions to Government proposed by the Kent & Medway Economic Partnership & the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.
Minutes:
Cabinet received a report detailing the launch by Government of two new calls for project proposals that would help to unlock economic growth in local areas.
Sarah Nurden, Strategic programme Manager (KMEP) introduced the item for members. In particular she referred to the following:
invited to bid for a share of the third tranche of Local Growth Funding (LGF), worth £1.8 billion across England.
The Leader thanked Ms Nurden for her introduction and her hard work in difficult circumstances. He expressed disappointment that the federated nature of SELEP was not to be reflected in the way that Government would accept prioritisation of schemes and warned members that the order may change as the list progressed through the various stages required by the current structure. He hoped that the South East would be treated fairly and that any contribution received would reflect the contribution that the area made to economic growth in Britain.
The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Mr Graham Gibbens spoke to the item, he welcomed the news that a development bid would be made to address the issues at Brenley Corner which he believed had worsened significantly in recent years. As a result he believed that it was unrealistic to expect significant further development in the area of Kent beyond it; East Kent, until the issues had been addressed.
The Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Mr Matthew Balfour, also addressed the meeting. He assured members that the Directorate was aware of the issues Mr Gibbens and others had described, but was also looking to the future. When a new Lower Thames Crossing was built it would be necessary to relieve HGV pressure on the M20 through the A2/M2 corridor and therefore this and other issues with the supporting infrastructure must be resolved. Strong representations to government and Highways England had been made to ensure that it was understood that a crossing alone would not be sufficient to alleviate current issues and cope with future demand but that the supporting infrastructure must also be fit for purpose.
The Leader agreed that this was a crucial issue for Kent, not only for the current enjoyment of the roads by residents but in order to facilitate future economic growth in the area and therefore the country.
It was RESOLVED that:
The decision would now be considered by the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee and on consideration of its comments and the endorsements of Cabinet the Leader would take a formal decision to agree the recommendations.
Supporting documents: