FIGHTING food and fuel poverty is one of the key elements of a new five-year plan for the Greater Brighton Economic Board.

Harnessing talent and building an economically resilient region which will continue to thrive were also at the heart of the proposed plan.

It was presented to board members when they met on Tuesday to discuss it.

Five key points were Greater Brighton is “international, creative, connected, talented and resilient”.

Food poverty and social inclusion also formed a key part of the plan focusing on resilience for communities and people living in the area.

Still in its early stages, the idea for the next five years could include the Greater Brighton Board bringing together voluntary organisations and charities to improve social innovation.

The board’s focus is on developing the region’s economy.

It would look at promoting the area internationally.

Promotion would include highlighting the heritage, quality of life and innovative industries which play major roles in the county’s appeal.

Rolling out full-fibre broadband to all businesses and households in the region within the next two years was also highlighted as a key part of enabling the vision for the area.

Attracting talented people to the region as well as keeping hold of people with skills and expertise is linked with promoting the area’s cultural attractions and quality of life.

Being able to react in a fast-changing world was described as being at the heart of economic resilience for the region.

Equally, supporting residents to improve mental health while bringing people out of food and fuel poverty was part of building a resilient community.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Daniel Yates said: “This is a good start in terms of where we want and need to get to.”

The Greater Brighton Economic Board started in 2014.

It is seen as an integral part of the Greater Brighton City Region Deal with the Government to co-ordinate development and investment activity across the wider city region to boost employment opportunities and support new business initiatives.

It involves the city council working with councils including Adur and Worthing, Crawley Borough, Lewes District and Mid Sussex District, business organisations, universities and colleges.

So far the board has successfully bid for £160 million in local growth funds.

This money is supporting several vital projects. They range from flood defences in Shoreham and Newhaven  to new buildings at the University of Brighton and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College.