Economy & International Affairs

Purpose

The purpose of the network is to build member capacity on economic, investment and international issues. The network disseminates knowledge & best practice and supports elected members and officers to influence policy, plan and deliver investment within local councils.

Network Membership
Role of Network & Priority Issues
Work Plan
Stakeholders / Partners

Alderman Stephen Moutray - Chair

Network Members - Ald Stephen Moutray (ABC) Chair, Cllr Billy Webb (A&N) Vice-Chair, Cllr Michael Goodman (A&N), Cllr Colin Kennedy (A&ND), Cllr Eric Hanvey (BCC), Cllr Padraig McShane (CCG), Cllr Martin Reilly (DCSDC), Cllr Paul Robinson (F&O), Ald Audrey Wales (MEA) and Cllr Sean McGuigan (MU).

ROLE OF THE NETWORK

Democratic Scrutiny of NI Economic Strategy (and related strategies), national & international funding policies & programmes and Councils input into same.

Regional council input into economic, tourism, rural development and international affairs issues.

Regional council input into the delivery of local skills, growth and jobs.

Monitoring Local Government representation in and benefit from Europe and international organisations, and oversight of member representation on relevant outside bodies.

EU Exit as it impacts on councils.

Oversight of opportunities presented by Sister Cities, Commonwealth, North -South /East- West and international partners.

PRIORITY ISSUES

Economy

Post-EU Exit funding (UK Shared Prosperity Fund / Peace Plus programme / Rural Development funding)
Supporting business growth
Education, Employment & Skills – determining councils’ role
Future proofing the economy (Post- Covid recovery, economic inactivity, skills, innovation, knowledge economy & artificial intelligence)
City & Growth Deals
EU Exit implications
Rural & Urban Regeneration –vibrant villages, towns & cities
Digital connectivity (Broadband, 5G, Full Fibre NI)
Sustaining Tourism Growth
Entrepreneurship – culture, workspace challenges, social enterprise, access to finance

International Affairs

Trade Opportunities further afield – EU / USA / China / Commonwealth
Collaboration with government departments, Invest NI and InterTradeIreland
North – South – East – West relations
Maintaining European links through the Committee of the Regions

Programme to be finalised February 2021.

Strategic Partners: Colleges NI, EER, Dept for Economy / INVEST NI, Enterprise NI, FSB, Ulster Farmers’ Union and Fisheries Bodies.

Key Ministers: Economy, Infrastructure, Education and International Relations.

Linked Bodies: The Executive Office, SOLACE, CoR, Congress, Invest NI, DfE, DEd, SEUPB, Whitehall / Westminster, UK Forum (LGA, COSLA and WLGA), AILG, US Consul and Strategic Investment Board.