Agenda item

Report attached.

Helen Fisher, Director of Regeneration, introduced the report as set out, concerning emerging ideas and ideas about good and inclusive growth. 

The Panel was informed that these ideas and concepts had gained increased prevalence over recent years, with growing evidence that the proceeds of national and regional growth had predominately benefited a small section of the population. It was noted that researchers and practitioners had recently begun to coalesce around the umbrella term “Inclusive Growth” to describe policies and programmes with the central objective of generating shared prosperity where no one was left behind.

In response to questions about defining inclusive growth, Ms Fisher explained that the most prominent definition of inclusive growth had been established by the Royal Society of Arts. It was noted that their Inclusive Growth Commission (2017) had cited some key principles for delivering inclusive growth:

-       Develop a shared vision for the place, owned by leaders in government, business, the VCS and local communities

-       Establish a whole system endeavour, integrating social and economic policy and infrastructure investment around measurable outcomes for individuals.

-       Develop a whole life-cycle approach, recognising that individuals require different types of support at different stages of life.

Ms Fisher went on to explain that prominent research and evidence from early practitioners had outlined a number of changes that were needed to ensure growth was inclusive. These included:

-       The fact that outright economic growth was no longer enough. With income inequality and rising costs of living it was recognised that there must be a focus on the quality of growth.

-       Economic and technological changes required more holistic, place-based leadership involving public and private sector leaders and the communities they served.

-       A recognition that investing in education, training and health and wellbeing for the whole population generates greater and more sustainable economic growth while ensuring now one was left behind.

In response to questions, the Panel was informed that the ideas underpinning inclusive growth had influenced the Mayor of London and GLA’s adoption of three “Good Growth” principles: Empowering People; Making Better Places; and Growing Prosperity. Ms Fisher explained that these themes would underpin the next London Plan and the GLA’s overall approach to regeneration, as set out in sections 6.21 – 6.27 of the report. It was noted that Haringey had committed to playing its part in meeting London’s challenges through the significant regeneration programmes underway across the borough. 

During discussion, it was noted that inclusive growth had emerged as a key theme over recent years and had been adopted and championed by international organisations. Case studies from across the world were also  considered, including lessons learnt from:

-       Louisville, USA:  America’s “Compassionate City”

-       New York City, USA: Career Pathways Framework

-       Rotterdam, Netherlands: National Programme Rotterdam South

-       Bristol, UK: Bristol City Office 

The Panel agreed that proactively empowering and investing in communities and people was key in helping to ensure the benefits of growth were translated into meaningful outcomes for all.   

In conclusion, it was highlighted that Haringey was home to some of London’s most significant regeneration initiatives, often located in areas where the population was affected by high deprivation. Building on work Haringey had already done, the Panel agreed the Council needed to include proactive policy and project work to ensure all residents were able to participate in shaping the future of their area and to benefit from the investment in their communities.

The Chair thanked officers for their comprehensive report and suggested its contents be used when scrutinising other issues, including in-depth project work, set out in the Panel’s work programme report (agenda item 12).      

AGREED: That the update concerning emerging ideas about good and inclusive growth be noted.