The Acting Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning provided an update on the progress made in implementing the Enterprise Zone (EZ) status of Wirral Waters, setting out the discussions and negotiation with Government and the key activity identified within the implementation plan. He commented that the announcement of the EZ status for Wirral Waters was very good news for Wirral Council and its residents as it supported the aims of the Investment Strategy to increase the number of Jobs in Wirral, with positive benefits across the wider economic area. The implementation of the Enterprise Zone was of key importance to stimulating private sector investment in the Wirral Waters area and he indicated that the business rate retention model was a critical factor to be considered as part of the EZ proposals.

He also outlined potential issues related to the management of any uplift in Business Rate generated by Mersey Waters and commented on the operation and priorities of the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), who had proposed a governance structure for the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone that was subject to formal sign off from the relevant local authorities.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy welcomed the Enterprise Zone status and expressed the view that Wirral should be able to retain a significant proportion of the increased business rates generated by Wirral Waters so as to promote further local economic growth. The Chair also commented that the LEP had expressed concern that businesses should not simply relocate into the Enterprise Zone to secure benefits without any employment growth.

Resolved –

(1)  That the current position of the Enterprise Zone and the ongoing discussions with Government be noted.

(2)  That the draft Implementation Plan attached to the report now submitted be agreed for sign-off.

(3)  That the issues raised within the report regarding the current proposals, as to how uplift in Business Rates within the Enterprise Zone will be managed and to work with Liverpool Council to further understand the implications, be noted.

(4)  That a further report be presented to the Cabinet as appropriate.

(5)  That the establishment of an Enterprise Zone Board with the membership as set out in the report now submitted be agreed.