(a)          Decision(s)

(1)          That the Buckinghamshire Growth Strategy 2017-2050 be noted.

(2)          That the Council’s response to the document be as follows:-

·         AVDC is disappointed and surprised about how this issue has been approached and is concerned that despite having raised a number of valid issues, the document was still commissioned in the manner presented.

·         AVDC believes that the document does not have any formal status and therefore will not be referenced in any of AVDC’s planning work.

·         AVDC does not believe that the other planning authorities in Bucks recognise the strategy.

·         AVDC believes that this document cannot be considered as a real strategy and questions its validity/value, given its broad and unsubstantiated statements.

·         AVDC is firmly of the view that the LEP needs to work better at identifying mission critical investments that need to be secured from Government.  This document does little to provide any clarity on the priority asks and offers that AVDC would seek to achieve within the context of a central area growth deal.

·         AVDC’s priority will be to work with the other that are willing to work in partnership across the central area in order to move a growth deal forward and would expect  that both LEPs will actively engage with this, rather than pursue separate growth conversations which it is understood the Government would like to avoid.

(b)          Reason(s) for Decision(s)

In response to the invitation to comment.  The Chief Executive of the Bucks/Thames Valley LEP attended the meeting and gave a brief presentation on the strategy.  Cabinet Members tested him rigorously on the assumptions made in the strategy.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

Not to comment.  However, Cabinet felt it essential to express a view within the context of the actions being pursued by this Authority to seek a sustainable and robust growth strategy for the Vale.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Economy and Business Development.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.