Decision details

To consult externally on the draft economic development strategy and action plan for Faringdon and Wantage. 

The draft strategy (attached as appendix 1 to this report) proposes a number of strategic aims and outlines the roles and responsibilities of the council in respect of the delivery of the strategy.  The council’s economic development service would work with the JEFs to co-ordinate partnership activity, liaise with public sector colleagues and businesses, consult with residents, secure external funding, monitor progress and make recommendations to improve project delivery.

The draft action plan (also attached as appendix 1) details specific projects for Faringdon and Wantage and identifies projects that have a district-wide focus but also impact upon the market towns.  The proposed actions for the council would be met using existing resources. 

The external consultation period will be six weeks.  A list of the organisations and groups that will be consulted on the strategy is included in an appendix to the draft strategy and action plan.  The list is extensive and includes all the organisations that can contribute to the success of the strategy.  Therefore, officers propose that there will not be any public consultation events.  However, details of the consultation will be published on the council’s website and will be the subject of a press release, providing the opportunity for any other interested parties to comment on the draft strategy. 

By consulting externally on the draft strategy and action plan, the council will demonstrate that it is using its resources to achieve its corporate priority of “working in partnership to sustain vibrant market towns.”  The consultation will also increase community buy-in, making it more likely that the projects are delivered and, through the process of consulting, will seek agreement that these are the preferred projects in each town.

The council could decide not to have a strategy and action plan.  However, it would then not be clear how the council was using its resources to achieve the corporate priority of working in partnership to sustain vibrant market towns.