Decision details

Andrew Leeming presented the report circulated with the agenda on the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Business Support Programmes update.

The report included a copy of the letter to Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential ESIF funding at risk following the EU referendum result.

Following discussions held by the Board on this report, a number of questions were raised and areas identified:

·  How could Lancashire start to plan requirements post Brexit and without EU funding?

·  Would Boost continue after Brexit and if so what would it look like?

·  Members agreed that there is a need for a mapping exercise to be completed and to look at apprenticeships and the type of apprenticeships required.

·  There is a need to look at how to incite a response by identifying initially what Lancashire would require post Brexit.

Resolved: The Board;

  i.  Noted the overall position in terms of ESIF funding

  ii.  Noted and endorsed the representations made by the LEP and shadow Lancashire Combined Authority to retain funds for key programmes

  iii.  Noted the new business support programmes which have commenced since the last meeting of the Board in August