For Council to approve the governance and direction of the Plymouth City Deal and approve Torbay Council as a key partner in the deal for the benefit of local communities.

(i)         That the continued participation of Torbay in the development of the Plymouth City Deal be approved  and

(ii)        That the direction and negotiating position of the Plymouth City Deal to be presented to the Local Growth Board in October 2013 be approved.

To provide support to the City Deal which if successful has the potential to bring investment into Torbay and support the implementation of the Economic Strategy.

Alternative options are set out in the submitted report.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on Wednesday 9 October 2013 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The Government is changing the way it seeks to deliver economic growth and is offering local partners an opportunity to shape how growth is generated in their areas.  Plymouth has been asked to submit a proposal for a City Deal which if successful will result in support for the area covered by the Deal.

The City Deal covers two local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) Heart of the South West LEP (includes Torbay) and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly LEP.  The proposals focus on a vision of Plymouth and the Peninsula as a world leader in the maritime sector and names Brixham as one of the key strategic sites.  It also includes an export readiness programme and skills provision which offer opportunities for Torbay and links to local priorities to create jobs and generate economic growth.

Torbay has been engaged in the development of a City Deal and proposals are being presented to the Government in October 2013.

The Mayor supported the recommendations of the Council made on 26 September 2013, as set out in his decision above.

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