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MINUTES OF THE 85TH MEETING OF THE
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
HELD ON 29 MARCH 2007 GUILDFORD
Present:
Jim Brathwaite (Chair), Rob Anderson, Pamela Charlwood, Poul Christensen, Rob Douglas, Imtiaz Farookhi, Bob Goldfield, Sue John, Peter Jones, John Peel, Alex Pratt, Bill Wakeham.
In attendance:
Pam Alexander, Jeff Alexander, Lee Amor, Paul Lovejoy, John Parsonage, Duncan Straughen, Donal Galligan, Tahnee Wright, Ann Taylor (observing), Rob Nolan (for item 4), Greg Ward (for item 5), Kathy Slack (for item 6), Peter Cusdin (for item 8), Jane Pearson (for item 8), John Shaw (for item 8), Martin Barrow (for item 8), Jane Griffin (for item 9).
Item 1 Welcome and apologies for absence
- Apologies were received from Fiona Pollard, Phil Wood and Keith House.
- Rob Douglas welcomed Ann Taylor, Director of Regional RDA Sponsorship & Finance at DTI, who was observing the Board meeting as part of her tour of the regions.
Item 2 Minutes of the last meetings (30 January and 21 February 2007)
- The minutes of the January and February Board meetings were approved as a correct record of proceedings.
Matters arising
- Rob Douglas noted the updated Risk Register and requested that any improvement or deterioration on long standing items be highlighted.
- It was noted that the Comprehensive Spending Review had been put back to autumn 2007 and that efficiency related cuts in the RDAs budget of 5% over the 3 year period had not yet been confirmed. John Peel commented that the uncertainty made it extremely difficult to plan effectively.
Item 3 Declarations of interest
- Rob Douglas in respect of item 4, Draft RES Implementation Plan, as a member of Surrey Economic Partnership. Pamela Charlwood, in respect of item 6, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Area Update, and item 8, Northern Above Bar, as Chief Executive of South Central Connexions. Bill Wakeham in respect of item 8, Northern Above Bar, as Vice-Chancellor of Southampton University. Peter Jones in respect of item 8, CPO Powers, Ore Valley, and Priory Quarter, Hastings, as a member of the Hastings & Bexhill Renaissance Taskforce and Leader of East Sussex County Council. Sue John in respect of item 11, Brighton Conference Centre, as Deputy Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, and John Peel in respect of item 5, for his involvement with MAS and item 11, Gatwick Diamond, as director of the West Sussex Economic Partnership.
Item 4 Draft RES Implementation Plan
- Paul Lovejoy presented to the Board a set of action plans that maps the full range of activities proposed in implementing the Regional Economic Strategy (RES), following the conclusions of the Board awayday discussions in February.
- It was explained that the action plans were more detailed than the final version would be and were in the process of being refined. The broad structure had been developed to allow a good fit with the Implementation Plan for the draft South East Plan, allowing progress to be made towards a single implementation plan for the region later this year.
- The Board had a full discussion around the emerging principles and priorities in the draft plan. Pamela Charlwood noted that a strong desire had been expressed at the Regional Health Summit to develop a greater strategic coherence in policy by linking into the RES.
- On the issue of sustainability Imtiaz Farookhi commented on the laudable political aspirations in many local authorities but noted the differing requirements across partners and the region and the need for an effective policy to be coordinated at national or regional level. Rob Anderson highlighted the need to convince businesses of the economic benefits of the sustainable development agenda such as the opportunities in house insulation, fuel cells and wind turbines.
- Regarding Sub-Regional Partnership Arrangements it was noted that Local Area Agreements (LAAs) had the potential to become the central mechanism for aligning partners’ policies and programmes for economic development. Several Board members highlighted that regional partners were worried that, as LAAs were not driven by business, it could become a process in which businesses were disengaged. The Board underlined the need for businesses to be actively engaged in the RES Implementation plan consultation process. Alex Pratt noted that SEEDA should help businesses see LAAs or MAAs (Multi Area Agreements) as an opportunity rather than a threat to effective delivery and should try to make them stronger and more relevant to businesses’ priorities. John Parsonage confirmed that SEEDA has been working with the Department for Work and Pensions to try and join up the employability and skills agendas.
- Paul Lovejoy welcomed the Board discussion and assured the Board that it was a priority to ensure that business was fully involved and agreed the need to create a readable, succinct document. The need to rationalise the landscape of sub-regional partnerships in the region (currently SEEDA fund around 50 partnerships) would be addressed, interalia, at the Economic Partnerships’ dinner on 26 th April at which Board Members would be present.
- The Board welcomed the progress being made on the draft implementation plan and AGREED the broad principles of the review of the Sub-Regional Partnership Arrangements as a basis for discussions and a consultation in mid May.
Item 5 International Business Strategy
- Jeff Alexander introduced the International Business Strategy which had been discussed in outline at the January Board meeting and highlighted that the new approach in the paper was not in the format of new programmes and initiatives but instead focusing on driving forward lessons that had been learned.
- Greg Ward informed the Board that as the first of three interwoven think pieces on the RES themes, this paper represented the Agency’s first thoughts on the implementation of the Global Competitiveness strand.
- It was noted that SEEDA was already involved in substantial global business activity. SEEDA’s Enterprise Hub Showcase event received coverage in the Kanagawa press showing that SEEDA has global exposure.
- However, new technology and globalisation are having an unprecedented impact on the way business works and require a radical response. Key trends include the rise of China and India as world economic powers; the blurring of boundaries between international trade and investment; the emergence of born global companies; the influence of the internet; the importance of the service sector and incremental innovation and the emergence of the Gulf States as global investors.
- There is an enormous challenge in the RES targets: to increase productivity per worker by an average 2.4% annually, from £39,000 in 2005 to at least £50,000 by 2016; to increase the percentage of businesses located in the South East operating internationally from an estimated 8% in 2003 to 12% by 2016 (equating to 10,000 more businesses operating internationally); to increase the proportion of businesses in the South East reporting R&D links with universities from 11% in 2005 to 15% in 2016 (10,000 new businesses reporting R&D links); and to increase South East business turnover attributable to new and improved products and services from 12% during 1998-2000 to 20% by 2016, requiring an increase in turnover of £60 billion.
- Greg Ward expanded on the principles needed to drive this forward. 20% of businesses are likely to bring 80% of the returns, so SEEDA needs to focus on those people and organisations who can deliver the highest productivity growth. As it is businesses that achieve productivity targets (not government agencies), businesses must drive the agenda. Evidence shows that global exposure drives up productivity more than anything else, so an international outlook is needed across everything the Agency does. Integration of internal and external resources is required if the South East is to meet these stretching targets. This means a strategy which partners truly share and an integrated approach to managing our relationship with businesses.
- Bill Wakeham noted that the success of the Global Competitiveness strand was critical to the success of the entire RES, but commented on the extremely challenging nature of the targets, noting that universities currently lack the capacity to engage with 10,000 businesses due to the lack of retention of science graduates who often move into the financial services sector. The necessity as a result to recruit from overseas is also constrained by tight work permit restrictions, which have been relaxed in the rest of Europe for the same reasons. The need to retain large global companies in the region was also highlighted.
- The Chairman noted that the Chancellor had heard many of these arguments during his visit to the South East and hopefully had taken them on board. On the issue of the growing trade deficit Bob Goldfield highlighted that 70% of the lorries leaving the UK are empty, up 15% in the past 4 years, whilst 100% of those entering are full.
- John Peel drew attention to the need to target high productivity and the potential for combining the Manufacturing Advisory Service, the Innovation Advisory Service and LEAN. Rob Douglas noted the necessity for the alignment of Government policy and to balance long term and short term needs, especially in relation to the visa programme.
- Pam Alexander drew attention to the synergies between the Global Competitiveness and Smart Growth strands of the RES, the latter of which would be discussed at the June Board following a Sustainable Prosperity discussion in May.
- The Board welcomed the presentation and APPROVED the key principles to drive forward the Global Competitiveness objectives.
Item 6 Area Update: Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Kathy Slack presented to the Board on the progress being made in South Hampshire to bring about improved economic growth and the approach being taken across SEEDA to support the work of the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH).
- The largest urban area in the South of England outside of London, centred on Southampton and Portsmouth, with a population of 1 million, it accounts for 10% of the South East’s economic wealth, however South Hampshire’s economy has been under-performing over the last two decades compared to the South East’s average growth rates.
- A working partnership of 11 local authorities stretching from the New Forest to East Hampshire, PUSH exists in a sensitive political atmosphere. The area is well connected locally; however the main road route to London is dependent on the A3 improvements at Hindhead to unlock its potential.
- The importance of image was highlighted and Southampton is aiming to rebrand itself by developing its cultural side. Portsmouth is typified by the pride that people display but this has made the city insular, growth has not always benefited the local workforce. A step change is needed to meet PUSH’s aspirations for economically led growth, creating 59,000 new jobs especially in business services and distribution and the building of 80,000 new homes. This was assisted by the SEEDA-led visit to San Diego which lifted participants’ sights and demonstrated the importance of business in achieving those aims.
- The physical work that SEEDA does to help achieve the growth aspirations, at Woolston Riverside, Daedalus and potentially Tipner can be seen, but the major role that SEEDA can and does play is in helping the partnership think strategically and work at a higher level.
- Pamela Charlwood praised the contribution of SEEDA and Kathy Slack in attempting to secure the long term viability of Portsmouth Naval Base. The poor education levels among young people and high teenage pregnancy rates in the area were highlighted. It was also noted that the new 14-19 diplomas need to work with business to make them successful gateways to education. Kathy Slack confirmed that PUSH’s housing policy was to build in the cities first and then the surrounding areas and noted the high ambitions that individual local authorities held on sustainability but felt that delivery of those aims had not yet been fully worked through.
- Bill Wakeham noted that the lack of ambition in South Hampshire was one of the main reasons for the poor level of graduate retention in the area, with the majority settling in Basingstoke and London, noting the important role of the University of Southampton in Southampton Synergy. It was reiterated that the parallels that had been drawn with San Diego were helping the area move forward.
- The Board NOTED with satisfactionthe cross Agency work being done in Urban South Hampshire, which was a model for future work in the Diamonds for Investment and Growth.
Item 7 2007/08 Draft Budget
- Duncan Straughen presented to the Board the operational budget for 2007/08.
- It was explained that the budget represents the last year of the current Corporate Plan whilst also bridging to year zero of the new RES. The Board were informed that since the presentation in January it had been confirmed that the impact of the last-minute budget reduction by DTI would be a £4 million cut in 2007/08.
- The budget for 2007/08 was also illustrated under the new RES themes: Global Competitiveness, £41.7 million; Smart Growth, £85.2 million; and Sustainable Prosperity, £32 million.
- Comparison was made between the original budget for the Corporate Plan period 2005/08 and the actual budget and expenditure. The drop in Growth Area funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government from a predicted £155 million to an actual £38 million for the 3 year period was highlighted, with the Chairman noting the problems this had caused after having raised partners’ expectations. It was also noted that the actual spend on innovation had been higher than that initially profiled.
- Jeff Alexander explained to the Board that the lower spend in Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire (MKOBB) compared to other sub-regions, whilst seeming to be a contradiction of SEEDA’s policy of investing in success, reflected that the Agency was not involved in the physical land projects in MKOBB that it was elsewhere in the region. This is because there is not the same level of market failure as for example on the south coast and because English Partnerships performed the role in Milton Keynes that SEEDA had played in areas like the Thames Gateway and South Hampshire, because of its historic landholdings in the new town. It was also suggested that comparing English Partnerships spend in Milton Keynes with SEEDA’s would give a more accurate comparison of spend across sub-regions.
- Alex Pratt underlined that SEEDA should ensure that the work the Agency does behind the scenes should be publicised. Poul Christensen highlighted that the Oxford Prison project had made a huge difference in how SEEDA is viewed in the area. The Chairman noted that the work must continue with partners to drive forward the wider development of Oxford’s West End as well as across the MKOBB area.
- The Board APPROVED the draft budget for 2007/08.
Action: Item 7, 2007/08 Draft Budget
Lee Amor to obtain figures for English Partnerships’ spending in Milton Keynes and the rest of the South East.
Item 8 Major Projects and Programmes
Northern Above Bar, Southampton
- Lee Amor summarised the proposal to approve expenditure of £6.35 million to fund public realm improvements and property acquisitions to create a cultural centre in the Northern Above Bar area of Southampton.
- Northern Above Bar adjoins the Civic Centre and was previously a prime retail location in Southampton. However since the opening of the West Quay Shopping Centre the area has experienced a significant decline, necessitating significant remodelling/redevelopment. This project is a key elemant of the cultural development of Southampton to provide the city with real strength in the creative industries.
- In phase 1 of Southampton City Council’s project SEEDA will provide grant funding of £4.6million for the refurbishment/remodelling of Guildhall Square, Southampton’s principal civic space, to become a centre piece for the cultural quarter. In phase 2 SEEDA will invest £1.75million for the acquisition of key properties on Gibbs Road and Northern Above Bar to facilitate a comprehensive redevelopment scheme to deliver new commercial property associated with the Cultural Quarter.
- The entire Northern Above Bar project will be completed in 2011 and will deliver in total 254 jobs, lever in £74 million of funding from non SEEDA sources and will reclaim 1.1 hectares of brownfield land.
- The Chairman reiterated the Agency’s desires for Southampton to be aspirational in all aspects to try and retain the world class graduates the universities are producing to help stimulate the city. Bill Wakeham informed the Board that the University of Southampton wants to relocate the John Hansard Gallery from its campus to the new cultural centre and was considering running the theatre and performance arts centre.
- The Board were reassured that Southampton City Council have made this project their top priority and that a development agreement has been signed with City Lofts, to ensure that a quality residential quarter will be delivered.
- The Board APPROVED the expenditure of £6.35 million to fund public realm improvements and property acquisitionsto deliver a new cultural quarter at Northern Above Bar on the condition that Southampton City Council would actively promote the new cultural space around the region and country through the Cultural Consortium.
Hythe Marine Park, Solent
- Lee Amor presented to the Board this proposal to acquire the former RAF Hythe site from the Ministry of Defence for £4.9 million and invest a further £4.545 million on the site to include site infrastructure works enabling the site and its specialist facilities to be re-occupied by marine businesses.
- A key strategic site for the survival of the marine industry on the south coast, RAF Hythe covers 7.86 hectares with approximately 250,00ft 2 of accommodation and a unique 1000 tonne ship lifting facility and specialist plant. The site was vacated by the US Army in September 2006, making around 200 local and skilled staff redundant. This project, a net investment of £1.44 million, aims to re-employ many of those skilled workers and provide apprentices opportunities with boat and ship repairs and marine engineers.
- John Peel informed the Board that MPC had recently visited the site and conveyed the excellent opportunity that the site provided, whilst noting that £600,000 would need to be spent to convert the electrics from the American voltage system. The Board welcomed the project but supported MPC’s wish to seek funding could be sourced from the private marine sector to deliver the project. Meanwhile the Board were content to make the acquisition on the basis that the land value would more than meet the acquisition costs.
- The Board APPROVED the acquisition of the former RAF Hythe site for £4.9 million and APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE a further investment of up to £4.545 million gross to improve the infrastructure of the site prior to development, subject to the funding arrangements returning to MPC.
Cattle Market site, Elwick Road, Ashford
- Lee Amor introduced for the Board’s approval the proposal to acquire the former Ashford Cattle market site for £5.819 million, which when combined with adjoining land already in SEEDA's ownership will provide a significant regeneration opportunity for private sector investment.
- The site can accommodate a mixed use retail/leisure and residential development and has the ability to deliver circa 600 jobs. Martin Barrow clarified for the Board that the money spent by SEEDA in Ashford over the past 3 years had been to acquire various sites, amounting to 12.5 acres, and that the consolidated Elwick Road site would be the first to be taken forward.
- Pam Alexander noted that the crucial step of re-shaping the ring road, which currently cuts off the town centre, has now been started as part of re-orientating the focus towards the pedestrian rather than the car. The Chairman noted his disappointment that funding previously anticipated for Ashford from the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Growth Area Programme was not forthcoming.
- The Board APPROVED the acquisition of the former Cattle Market site for £5.819 million.
South Kent College site, Ashford
- Due to a lack of clarity regarding the title deeds this paper was withdrawn.
CPO Powers, Ore Valley, Hastings
- This paper proposed that the Board authorise the Chief Executive to take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 20(1) of the Regional Development Agencies Act for the acquisition of the land, [and under Section 20(2) of the said Act for the acquisition of new rights], within the areas shown on the plans in Appendix A for the purpose set out above and to delegate the power to add such other land or interest as considered necessary to deliver the Ore Valley Project. Also to acquire interests in land and new rights within the compulsory purchase order either by agreement or compulsorily and approve agreements with land owners setting out the terms for withdrawal of objections to the Order, including, when appropriate, seeking exclusion of land or new rights from the Order.
- The Ore Valley Millenium Community Project, which would be financed with funds from English Partnerships and the Learning and Skills Council, includes 650 residential dwellings, commercial and retail space together with local supporting services and infrastructure. The project includes a 6,800m 2 further education college with an all weather sports facility for use by the college and the local community.
- John Peel informed the Board that that the high level of detail in the paper was necessary for the Board’s approval. A CPO is required to remove any development restrictions on land already acquired by Hastings and Bexhill Renaissance Ltd (HBRL) and to secure additional land in order to carry out the planned development.
- Whilst both Hastings Borough Council and English Partnerships also have compulsory purchase powers, SEEDA has the more appropriate powers (S.20 of the RDA Act 1998), which are geared specifically towards regeneration and the delivery of economic outputs.
- The Board discussed the need for the CPO and APPROVED that the Chief Executive, as set out above, take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of a Compulsory Purchase Order for the acquisition of the land in the Ore Valley to deliver the Ore Valley Millennium Community Project.
Priory Quarter, Hastings
- John Peel summarised for the Board the proposal to approve the grant funding of £3.15 million to HBRL to acquire key sites in the Priory Quarter, Hastings, which will enable the creation of new employment and education opportunities in the heart of the town centre.
- The grant to HBRL already budgeted for in this financial year (2006/07), would cover the acquisition of 6 of the 7 sites required for the project to proceed. The seventh site, the Post Office Sorting Office, will be brought forward as and when the budget becomes available.
- The Board APPROVED the use of grant funding of £3.15 million for the acquisition of six properties by HBRL in the Priory Quarter subject to the acquisition of the Sorting Office once HBRL had secured the necessary funds.
Item 9 Planning Application Criteria
- Paul Lovejoy introduced the revised criteria for when SEEDA should be consulted on planning applications of regional economic significance.
- Sue John proposed that SEEDA should take an interest in park and ride scheme as an instrument to deliver RES objectives and it was agreed to add them to the criteria. Jane Griffin confirmed for the Board that Science Parks were also included in the revised criteria.
- Poul Christensen noted that nature conservation schemes, such as Dibden Bay, do have implications for RES delivery and should therefore not be excluded. Paul Lovejoy explained that the intention here was to avoid being drawn into commenting on small planning applications regarding detailed proposals in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientiic Interests, and other similar designated areas.
- The Board APPROVED the revised criteria.
Item 10 Financial & Operational Review
- Duncan Straughen summarised the progress made against budget and profiled expenditure for 2006/07. At the time of the meeting cash spend was almost £124 million with a further £12 million of major transactions expected to go through in the next few days and significant accruals as in previous years. It was explained that some projects that had been scheduled for early 2007/08 had been brought forward a few months to meet the otherwise projected under spend. Whilst the improved profiling sought had not been achieved the budget would be fully spent.
- The Board NOTED the financial review and the Chairman congratulated the team.
Item 11 Projects
- The Chairman updated the Board on the Alphasat project. Due to European Space Agency rules Inmarsat would not have been able to bid without public sector/Government funding. The potential benefits of securing jobs at EADS Astrium in Portsmouth and in the supply chain elsewhere as well as the importance to the City of London’s financial services were clear. It was also highlighted that Astrium are recognised as the world leaders in the satellite market by both Boeing and NASA. The Chairman was still hopeful that the Technology Strategy Board would contribute to the funding the RDAs had put in place.
- John Peel noted that minor alterations had been made to the MPC minutes. Poul Christensen asked Jeff Alexander for clarification of the breakdown of costs for the 2007 SEEDA Business Awards.
Action : Item 11, Projects
Jeff Alexanderto bring back to the Board a breakdown of the costs for the SEEDA Business Awards.
Item 12 Chairman’s Report
- Rob Douglas reported back to the Board on the RDA Chairs' meeting that he attended on behalf of the Chairman. There had been useful discussions with David Miliband MP, and separately at the meeting with the Chancellor and Treasury Ministers, regarding Climate Change and how RDAs could work with businesses to deliver the objectives.
- The Chairman informed the Board of his recent visit to China to encourage the investment and creation of a ‘China Gateway’ to showcase Chinese products and manufacturing near Manston, Kent, which would create 700 jobs in the area. Commercial Group Properties have purchased a property in Beijing to create a reciprocal British Centre. Whilst in Beijing the Chairman also re-signed the Memorandum of Understanding that had been originally signed in 2005.
- The Chairman noted a successful meeting with McClaren and Silverstone Holdings to discuss the proposed upgrading of the racetrack site which was being supported by both SEEDA and the East Midlands Development Agency.
Item 13 Agency Report
- Pam Alexander informed the Board of a successful visit to MIPIM at which SEEDA launched proposals for the developments in Ashford, Woolston and Northfleet Embankment which generated much interest. There was also a successful Greater SE breakfast which focused on the challenges in the Thames Gateway with speakers including Judith Armitt. The Chief Executive drew the Board’s attention to the launch of the South East Framework for the 2012 Games on 9 th May and extended an invitation to attend.
- The Chairman expressed his thanks to all the staff involved in the successful visit by the Chancellor to the region, especially Barbara Hammond and Tahnee Wright.
- Jeff Alexander noted that the major corporations were generally content with the Chancellor’s Budget statement, but that the smaller businesses were less so.
- Pam Alexander informed the Board that teams within the Agency were now moving into the new management structure based on the implementation of the RES, cross Agency working and focus on stakeholder relationships and that Keren Jones would be acting as transitional Director of Sustainable Prosperity whilst the position was advertised.
Item 14 AOB - Close
- Ann Taylor expressed her thanks at being invited to observe the Board meeting and the Chairman welcomed her proposal to return.
SEEDA BOARD
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS
29 MARCH 2007 MEETING
Action: Item 7, 2007/08 Draft Budget
Lee Amor to obtain figures for English Partnerships’ spending in Milton Keynes and the rest of the South East.
In progress. Report back to Board in May.
Action: Item 11, Projects
Jeff Alexanderto bring back to the Board a breakdown of the costs for the SEEDA Business Awards.
Report back to Board in May.
30 JANUARY 2007 MEETING
Action: Item 2, Matters arising
Paul Lovejoy to pursue a meeting with Dirk Ahner, Director-General in DG REGIO, European Commission.
In progress - identifying a date in June.
Action: Item 6, 2007/08 Draft Budget
Duncan Straughento provide a list of projects and programmes that the Agency has taken on from external partners, including any corresponding headcount and funding.
In progress. Report back to Board orally in May.
Action: Item 9, Review of Sub-regional Partnership Arrangements
Paul Lovejoy to bring a paper on Sub-regional Partnership Arrangements to the Board in July 2007 after the consultation in May.
Action: Item 10, Major Projects Committee
Finance SE to report to the SEEDA Board annually on the progress and outcomes of the SE Funding Escalator
To be taken at a Board meeting in the Autumn.
7 DECEMBER 2006 MEETING
Action: Item 4, SEEDA in Europe
Paul Lovejoyto ensure the development of a Business Plan for the new SE England House
In progress.
Action: Item 9, Major Projects and Programmes
Shoreham Enterprise Gateway, Ropetackle
Duncan Straughento take a paper to MPC in May 2007 on lessons learnt and proposals to avoid overspends in the future. Actioned.
East Brighton Project
Lee Amor to decouple infrastructure element from Community Stadium and bring back to the Board in June 2007.
Action: Item 11, Financial & Operational Review
Duncan Straughen to simplify traffic light reporting structure for Agency targets.
To report back at May Board meeting and to be implemented for first reporting of 2007/08 performance.
Action: Item 14, Agency Report
Paul Lovejoyto facilitate a discussion on Green Belt building restrictions in 2007.
To be taken at the September 2007 Board meeting.
Action: Item 15, AOB
Paul Lovejoy to arrange for GSE Board members to meet to discuss cross cutting issues
In progress - identifying date in June-September.
Paul Lovejoy to produce tailor made summaries of the RES drawing out appropriate RES targets for individual Government Departments, local Government partners and businesses in the region.
In progress.
31 OCTOBER 2006 MEETING
Action: Item 2, Matters arising
Rummage on carbon reduction/climate change to take place in early 2007.
To be rolled into the Sustainable Prosperity presentation at the May 2007 Board meeting (see item 4).
Action: Item 6, Area Update: Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire (MKOBB)
Jeff Alexander to take the O2C Arc proposals to SESETAC for feedback.
Further work to be carried out before it is taken to SESETAC.
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