Issue - meetings

Report presenting the new Economic Regeneration Strategy 2015-2020. The Executive is asked to endorse the strategy for consultation.

The Executive received the new Economic Regeneration Strategy and accompanying action plan which was recommended for public consultation.

Councillor Morrell entered the meeting at 6.35pm.

Discussion ensued on the following points:

·         NVQ level 4 and above: It was noted that the borough had lower than the national average people with this level of qualification and needed to be addressed with the promotion of higher skill opportunities. It was noted that this, in part, may be because those working in skilled roles within the borough (eg MIRA) lived outside of the borough

·         Where the action plan had been updated to refer to other projects in the whole of the borough, it was asked that consideration be given to evidencing and including these in the document

·         The need to look at skills-driven growth as part of the new corporate priorities

·         The importance of working with businesses on improving skills in the borough, particularly with the goal of attracting more business to the area based on the skills available.

It was moved by Councillor Boothby and seconded by Councillor Ladkin that the strategy be made available for public consultation for a period of six weeks, and that, in the event that no significant issues are raised during the consultation period, approval of the strategy be delegated to the Executive Member for Regeneration in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive. The motion was carried and it was

RESOLVED –

(i)            The Economic Regeneration Strategy 2015-2020 be made available for public consultation for a period of six weeks;

(ii)           Should no significant issues be raised during the consultation, approval of the strategy be delegated to the Executive Member for Regeneration in liaison with the Deputy Chief Executive.

Report to present the new Economic Regeneration Strategy 2016-2020.

The views of the Scrutiny Commission were sought on the draft of the revised Economic Regeneration Strategy which would be considered by Executive and, if approved, would be subject to public consultation. Members welcomed the strategy and the useful format of the report and requested that the positive news elements were communicated as part of the consultation process.

RESOLVED – the report be welcomed and supported.