Issue - meetings

To update members on the major transitions and on the regional and local responses being established.

(a)     Members noted the potential economic outlook projections and review the recovery structures established to steer future actions.

(b)     Members noted the current and proposed work programmes established to support economic recovery in Flintshire.

(c)     That a letter be sent on behalf of the Committee to Welsh Government to ask for the reinstatement of the Aggregates Levy Fund

The report was presented by the Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) and Enterprise and Regeneration Manager.   The Chief Officer confirmed this was part of a series of papers being brought to committee regarding Economic Recovery and that this report outlined the proposals at the regional level and within the Council Plan.

            The Enterprise and Regeneration Manager confirmed the report clarified where the Council was at present with regard to the economy in Flintshire, highlighted potential risks, the governance structures in place and the current work programme to respond to those risks.  He provided information on the following:-

·         The uncertain position with regard to Brexit

·         The work undertaken by Grant Thornton on behalf of the WLGA looking specifically at trade and highlighted a number of risks specific to Flintshire as our economy was based on trade.

·         Most company headquarters were not based in Flintshire which placed Flintshire at risk with decisions being made elsewhere

·         Flintshire had a high level of low skill workers which were vulnerable to job losses

·         The Covid 19 situation we still uncertain with the Furlough scheme still in place which could mask potential future job losses especially for young people.

            The Enterprise and Regeneration Manager referred members to the diagram on page 36 prepared by Grant Thornton which highlighted the risks on how manufacturing and wholesale were reliant on Brexit and Covid outcomes.    He reported on the number of groups established with WG and the North Wales Economic Ambition Board and the work undertaken to plan the recovery process both for immediate needs and to reshape the future.  The priorities were included within the Council Plan.

            Councillor Patrick Heesom felt that this was a very important report and was concerned with the lack of member involvement in the procedures.  He referred to the structure on page 37 which had very little space for contributions from elected members especially with the implications of Brexit.  He then referred to the contributions of the Hatch Report and Grant Thornton Report and felt that members needed a precis of those reports to enable a better understanding.  In response the Enterprise and Regeneration Manager hoped the information provided a summary of those report and confirmed when they were available they would be circulated to Members. He would reflect on the comments regarding member involvement and hoped the meeting would provide some member involvement to enable discussion and hold officers to account. He hoped that would provide some level of reassurance but was happy to receive any comments.

            Councillor Shotton referred to the issues at Holyhead port because of the amount of paperwork companies had to complete which had resulted in deliveries being diverted to European ports and coming in the UK via Eire and then to Northern Ireland.  He asked how this was impacting on firms and haulers in Flintshire.  He also asked with the European Funding coming to an end and priority funding taking place where were the decisions being made at WG or the North East Wales Growth Board.    In  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49