Ashford EDG January 2025 Minutes

Ashford Economic Development Group – January 2025 minutes

Susan Bonett (SB)
Nettie Buss (AB)
Maria Callow (MC)
Steve Garnett SG)
Peter Heritage (PH)
Katie Hodson (KH)
Richard Lloyd (RLL)
James McComas (JM)
Derek Murphy DM)
Sarah Nurden (SN)
Andrew Osborne (AO)
Tudor Price (TP)
Jason Rainbird (JR)
Dan Sherlock (DS)
Richard Stafford (RS)
Pete Tomsett (PT)

BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

AB  welcomed new member to the group, Pete Tomsett (PT) from Handelsbanken and guests Sarah Nurden (SN) Strategic Programme Manager, KCC and Derek Murphy (DM) Cabinet Member, KCC .

AO shared the news that the outline planning proposal for Brompton had been passed, 10 to 2 in favour.

DEVOLUTION

Background

TP set out the context for devolution. KiCC has been involved in conversations for a year.  The Government (Gov.) is establishing ‘strategic authorities’ (SA’s) to be led by Mayors. Currently there are 13 authorities in the area including Medway and the proposal is to have one SA for the whole area. The rate and pace of change ahead is startling, yet having one SA will unlock additional funds, so more money.

DM stated having devolution has given certainty. Roger Gough, Leader of KCC and Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council have submitted a joint letter on 10^th January agreeing to be a joint ‘devolved authority’ and work with the Gov. to achieve that. Kent and Medway have a joint population of 2.1 million; by agreeing upfront to devolution it will give the go ahead to get access to 30-year investment funds.

It is believed there will be a response to the letter from 27^th January onwards. It is assumed it will be approval to the fast track route to proceeding. If it goes ahead the SA, there will be an election for the Mayor who will be in place May 2026 and no more KCC by 2027. Also, DM anticipates the local elections in May 2025 might be postponed.

Why Devolution?

Public trust in politicians has fallen and the economy has flatlined. The Gov. wants a new local government architecture so SA’s have more benefits and power. The Mayor will have direct engagement with the Prime Minister and work in partnership with other Mayors and local commissioners.

What will be the Strategic Authorities’ remit?

SA’s will have a mandate to drive growth and reshape public services in these areas:

1. Transport and local infrastructure – rail will be added to the remit
2. Skills and employment support – align with Local Skills Improvement Plans and the ‘Get Britain Working’ white paper.
3. Housing and strategic planning – aim to get a Spatial Development Strategy
4. Economic development and regeneration – aim to produce a Local Growth Plan and a Small Business Strategy
5. Environment and climate change – work through the Local Power Plan and develop Regional Energy Strategic Plans
6. Health, wellbeing and public service reform – align to deliver public service reform
7. Public safety – will include Police, Fire and Probation

Timeline for next steps

• September 2024 – Deputy PM received the mayoral devolution proposals
• 10^th January – letter was submitted to Gov.
• 27^th January – anticipated response to the letter
• May 2025 – local elections
• May 2025 – potential new boundaries proposed
• May 2026 – Mayoral elections

In summary TP concluded devolution will mean faster decision making and give flexibility to access more funds. He will keep local businesses involved.

SB expressed concerns over the Mayor being very powerful, devolution being ideological and it not being clear where the funds will come from.

DS agreed with the economic benefits but not with the other aspects of devolution. DM anticipates Kent and Medway will be part of the first tranche of change towards devolution. It is an opportunity for local authorities to work together and agree a way forward.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

AB suggested to move discussion around Dover Investments Ltd to the next meeting. TP will be Chair of the next meeting and DS offered is apologies for not being able to attend.

CLOSE

AB thanked AEDG members for their continued support. Date of next meeting – 8.30pm, 20^th February at KICC HQ.

There was no further business and therefore the chair declared that the meeting was closed at 10.05am.