Decision details

(i)  That Cabinet approve the responses to the recommendations as detailed in Appendix 1.

(ii)  That the role of co-ordinating actions of various relevant departments within the Council and securing participation of external organisations and the private sector be delegated to the Director of Economic Development.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Director of Economic Development to negotiate and look to other departments for supporting resources with regard to prioritising and implementing these recommendations.

The actions set out in the Appendix to this report reflect the direction of work currently being carried out by the Directorate of Economic Development and others.  It must be recognised that the structures and arrangements for delivering economic development and tourism initiatives are currently in flux and the responses set out in the Appendix reflects this.

1. Do nothing – does not meet the aspirations of the City Council, does not contribute to economic growth and the creation of jobs and fails to contribute to the objectives of the South Hampshire Economic Development Strategy.
2. Increase activity beyond the level outlined in the Appendix.  This was rejected due to current financial pressures.