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V26-892 : ASSISTED AREA REVIEW

The report of the Chief Executive gave an update on progress in compiling a local case for Assisted Area status in response to the Government's review of the national map.

As part of the Government's consultation exercise they had asked which criteria the Council's felt should be used to define the Assisted Areas, and which area the Council should submit for designation. A list of the recommended criteria was set out in paragraph 4 of the report. The use of Travel to Work Areas was no longer likely to be relevant and it was considered that there was merit in submitting a bid for the whole of Waveney District, and the reasons for this were outlined in paragraph 3 of the report.

As part of the Waveney submission a subsidiary fallback case had been prepared for Lowestoft which reduced the population figures and concentrated the argument for designation. This fall-back case contained all the Lowestoft electoral wards and Kessingland and Lothingland wards.

The Chief Executive outlined several key statistics, which were claimant based over a three year average, to demonstrate the strength of Waveney's case. The unemployment rate in Great Britain was 6.3%, while Waveney was 9.6% and Lowestoft 11%. The actual growth in employment was up 5.5% for Great Britain while it had fell by 3.6% for Waveney and 4.6% for Lowestoft. The most significant statistic was the average earnings which was £367.60 for Great Britain and only £304.20 for Waveney, which was 17% lower.

The Chief Executive clarified the position regarding a joint submission covering Waveney and Great Yarmouth. Following members instructions he had approached Great Yarmouth Borough Council, who originally decided to decline as they considered they had a better case with a stand alone bid. The Council respected this decision.

Following further advice from the Government Office for the Eastern Region Waveney had once again raised the issue of a joint submission with Great Yarmouth. Accordingly the Chief Executive had produced a draft joint submission which showed the advantages of the sub-region and the economic similarities. Great Yarmouth Borough Council's formal support to this was being sought. He emphasised that, subject to the action of Great Yarmouth, Waveney would be submitting two submissions.

RECOMMENDED

1. That the submission for Assisted Area Status for Waveney and an additional submission for Waveney and Great Yarmouth be approved, and that the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to make the final submissions.

2. That the support of the Areas MP be sought for the cases and for lobbying purposes.

Volume 26 Minute 892

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