Decision details

Ipswich works strategically with the other Ipswich Strategic Planning Area (ISPA) authorities to ensure combined housing and employment growth figures are achieved to meet the ISPA area total identified needs. The Economic Sector Needs Assessment was based on the 2016 East of England Forecasting Model (EEFM). This calculated that for Ipswich 15,577 new jobs were required. However, the 2017 EEFM figures showed that Ipswich’s needs have radically reduced, in contrast to those for our neighbouring authorities, which showed only a small reduction meaning little change. The 2017 EEFM forecast for Ipswich is the need for a minimum of 9,318 new jobs.

In order to provide the most up to date evidence it is important to understand why this figure has changed, and a high-level strategic report is therefore required to address this.

Lichfields were previously involved in the ISPA Employment Land Supply Assessment (ELSA) which is based on predicted minimum job requirements and therefore has prior knowledge of the context and will be able to undertake the contract quickly.

The cost of the contract is £3,000 (plus VAT).

To award contract for the updated employment study to Lichfields.

Reason: In order that the reduction in jobs forecast by the East of England Forecasting Model (EEFM) be assessed for the continued production of the Ipswich Local Plan.