LEP alive to ‘mission creep’ danger
THE Humber Local Enterprise Partnership has dismissed suggestions it is at risk of ‘mission creep’ after Hull City Council expressed concern the new body’s resources could be “spread too thinly”.
A report to be considered next week recommends councillors should call on the LEP to produce a growth strategy and business plan.
The same meeting will also see councillors approve plans to offer businesses on the area’s two enterprise zones business rate discounts and enhanced capital allowances.
The report warns that the freedom offered by the Government to LEPs creates a risk of “mission creep”.
It says: “Despite the Humber LEPs commitment to prioritising growth in the sectors of renewable energy, ports and logistics and chemicals, there is a risk that the LEP may try to do “too much” and have its resources (human and financial) spread too thinly.”
Humber LEP manager Richard Kendall said: “Mission creep is something all LEPs have to be careful about given our limited resources.
“We deliberately chose a tighter focus than many LEPs so that is something we are very aware of. Lord Haskins said at his first board meeting last month that we must maintain this and develop a concise business plan around it, so that is something we will be doing with our partners over the next few months.”
