Public speakers25 July 2023 |
1. Ian Ashley on behalf of Need Not Greed Oxfordshire
Ref Agenda Item 9: Oxfordshire Strategic Economic Plan
Given the significant concerns about the approach to the emerging Oxfordshire Strategic Economic Plan, raised by NNGO and now FOP scrutiny, will you now recommend a pause and a full review of the process and approach?
In asking questions about the opaque approvals process for the SEP, we have also been informed that, on the OxLEP Board, council leaders are obliged to vote in the interests of OxLEP, not necessarily in the best interests of their Councils. This seems to us to be a conflict of interest and anti-democratic. Does the FOP understand why members of the public might think this completely inappropriate?
Our local authorities say funding for the SEP comes from the FOP and is not a matter for them. The FOP says it is not a decision-making body. Does this mean that OxLEP alone can agree the SEP, even though the SEP will go on to have a significant influence on emerging Local Plans?
Is that why the SEP is due to go to the OxLEP Board in September, but only be discussed by FOP in November?
Can the FOP please help the public to understand the exact decision-making process and time-table for the SEP and explain where the democratic scrutiny takes place?