Local Economy - New activities, support and funding

The Local Economy Delivery Plan is a new area of work for the SW RIEP.The Management board have approved the first year of funding for the programme and earmarked £900,000 in total towards the three year programme. The management board has recognised the need for £1.4 million in this area, as requested in the plan and will review funding allocation over the duration of plan.

The focus of the programme will be on:

• Developing the skills and capacity of local authorities in supporting economic development and regeneration (ED&R)
• Supporting performance improvement in the area via a programme of peer reviews, events and seminars on ED&R issues
• Supporting local authorities in undertaking new responsibilities and new ways of working

The programme and initial projects will be discussed by the Programme board in October. The Local Economy Web pages will be updated in November with more details on specific projects.

Details for individual projects to take place this financial year are currently being finalised. Below is a brief summary of work so far. Please note all projects will need to be signed off by the New Local Economy Programme board before moving forward. More detail will be available after the Programme board meeting in October

1. Skills and Capacity Development Programme - Consultants will be recruited to undertake a Capacity Needs Analysis of Local authorities in the South West. This project will be designed to build on existing knowledge of the needs in the south west and support the development of a targeted skills building programme. South West Councils will contact Chief Executives about this project in the autumn
   
   The Pool of experts is currently being discussed with stakeholders to ensure it meets the needs of the South West. This project will develop following the outcome of the capacity needs analysis, next year. However, some initial appointments this financial year are being discussed to pilot the pool of experts and see how it could work in progress. More details to follow in November.
   
2. Performance Improvement - The events and peer reviews programme is still in development as current issues need to be prioritised for year 1. More information will be available after the programme board meeting in October.
   
   The project initiation document for mapping customer satisfaction with Transport is still in development and no timeline has been approved.
   
3. Undertaking New Responsibilities and new ways of working - It is anticipated that an event on the new economic assessment duty will be held on the 5th of November. The delegate list is being discussed, but is likely to include LAA leads, LSP and SEP Coordinators. Invitations will be sent out in September.
   
   Proposals for the recruitment of a support officer to work with Local Authorities in developing Local Employment and Skills Boardsis in development and will be discussed by the Programme board in October.