Issue - meetings

Report providing an update on the key activities of the Combined Authority and the Mayor since the last Board meeting which are not covered in other reports. Also providing information on key developments, risks and opportunities that have emerged.

It was resolved to:

A    Note the content of the report

The Chief Executive introduced the report and highlighted key points to members.

Members discussed progress on the Local Growth Plan (LGP), with a focus on science, technology, agritech, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. These priorities align with the national industrial strategy, and while formal approval for the LGP is expected in the summer, the iterative process has involved close collaboration with the government. The main challenges identified include connectivity, utilities, energy, water, and housing, which are seen as essential to support growth in the area. Members thanked everyone for their efforts so far, especially given the resource constraints.

Updates were provided on recent budget announcements, including the Levelling Up Fund, the Wisbech town deal, and the East-West Rail (EWR) project. There was a strong emphasis on the need to maximise economic benefits from the EWR and to advocate for environmental and net-gain priorities, especially to prevent any negative environmental impacts. Members were keen to hold infrastructure projects accountable to high environmental standards, and some raised concerns over the potential impact on local biodiversity.

The discussion also highlighted long-standing issues around public service funding, especially with rapidly growing populations that outpace current government funding models. Members expressed concerns over the "funding lag" in public services, which leaves local services under-resourced. The need for fairer and faster funding adjustments was emphasised, and suggestions were made to form alliances with other high-growth areas to advocate for quicker data updates from national statistics for funding calculations.

Members requested for officers to provide a list highlighting the Combined Authority’s achievements. Officers were also asked to whether there is any evidence that level 5 HNDs are being achieved within 16 weeks

It was resolved to:

A    Note the content of the report