Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Enterprise, which provided an update on the development of a response to the Government’s First Stage Consultation on the Assisted Area Map 2014- 2020.

The Board was advised that Regional Aid was a form of State Aid used to support businesses and promote economic development in selected economically disadvantaged regions known as Assisted Areas. It was reported that Halton had been leading on a piece of work to develop a response to the Government’s consultation on Assisted Area Map 2014-2020, on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Regeneration Directors and the Local Enterprise Partnership. Consultation had been held in two stages, as detailed in the report.

The Board was advised that the Halton Lea ward would be removed from the Map to be submitted for approval, as this ward was primarily retail focused and support for business in this area could be provided using other  financial instruments.

Reason(s) for Decision

The decision to support the assisted area map, provided the Borough with additional flexibility in how local businesses could be supported in the Borough.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

To seek 100% coverage for the Borough. There were two main reasons why this option had been considered and rejected. First, as outlined in the report, the City Region as a whole was required to reduce its population coverage in the new map. Second, given that the assisted area focused on support to businesses, it would be inappropriate to include residential areas.

Implementation Date

July 2014.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the proposed Liverpool City Region response to the first stage consultation be approved; and

2)    the proposed coverage of the revised Assisted Area Map in Halton be approved.