Contact: Roger Lawes, ext 6743 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 A major, region-wide exercise is underway to assist the South East England Development Agency with its review of the Regional Economic Strategy. Views are being sought on how best to ensure the continuing prosperity and quality of life for people across the South East, particularly in areas where low skills and expectations are holding back individuals and communities.

1.2 The following decision is sought:

That the Cabinet informs the South East England Development Agency that, without prejudice to any detailed comments that Hampshire County Council might wish to make on the Review of the Regional Economic Strategy when it is published in November 2005, it:

(i) notes the South East England Development Agency's extensive stakeholder approach to the review of the Regional Economic Strategy;

(ii) considers that the priorities in the current Regional Economic Strategy: competitive business; successful people; vibrant communities; effective infrastructure; and sustainable use of natural resources, remain pertinent to the sustainable development of the regional economy taking account of the environmental compatibility in relation to quality of life;

(iii) would support and welcome initiatives that recognise the increasing number and variety of business opportunities arising from the sustainable use of natural resources;

(iv) considers that the Regional Economic Strategy should fit within the development framework established in the South East Plan and therefore expects the Review to make it clear how the emerging Plan has influenced the strategy, particularly in relation to the link between sustainable economic growth and housing;

(v) suggests that the Review should clearly differentiate the roles of individual County Council's and sub-regions in contributing towards the overall achievement of sustainable development;

(vi) would like to see a review and rationalisation of the roles of the various stakeholders in the implementation of the strategy; and


(vii) suggests that the Review clearly differentiates between stakeholder and public aspirations.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment), Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity), Aim 4 (Building Strong and Safe Communities) and Aim 5 (Improving Services) of the Corporate Strategy by helping to ensure that Hampshire's economic prosperity, and all the benefits that accrue from a healthy economy, are reflected in the new Regional Economic Strategy for the South East Plan being developed by the South East England Development Agency.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The option of not responding at this stage in the process was rejected as it would mean that the County Council missed a clear opportunity to influence the outcome of the Review.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE

576Decn/RL