Issue - meetings

(a)       That the ongoing work to ensure that Flintshire can both, continue to and gain from the Mersey Dee spatial part of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise growth proposal, be supported;

(b)       That the work to influence and develop the contribution North Wales can make to the Northern Powerhouse, be supported; and

(c)        That a letter be written to the Welsh Government outlining the Committee’s support for a Member of Flintshire County Council to be appointed to the Deeside Enterprise Zone Board.

The Chief Officer (Community & Enterprise)  introduced a report on progress at local, regional and sub-regional level to grow the economy and increase prosperity for Flintshire.  She gave an overview of the report and referred to the main considerations concerning the Economic Ambition Board, Mersey Dee Alliance, LEP Growth Bid, and Northern Powerhouse.  The Chief Officer advised that work would continue towards developing a role and influence in both LEP and Northern Powerhouse and to work collaboratively across North Wales to achieve mutually beneficial economic growth.

             Councillors Aaron Shotton and Derek Butler, commented on the real opportunities and significant risks if Flintshire was not a part of the Mersey Dee spatial element of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise growth proposal.  Councillor Shotton emphasised the need to lobby the case with the Welsh Government (WG) for Flintshire to have parity powers and commented on the need to support the work to influence and develop; the contribution North Wales can make to the Northern Powerhouse.  Councillor  Shotton suggested that the Committee continued to develop its forward work programme and receive an update on the Economic Ambition Board at a future meeting.

                        Councillor Paul Cunningham commented on the concerns which had been raised during a recent meeting of the Education and Youth Overview & Scrutiny Committee regarding the range of languages being offered in schools and the Post 16 Education Centre, and said this could have an impact on Flintshire’s future development in relation to attracting business to the Deeside Enterprise Zone.

                        Councillor Peter Curtis raised concerns around local regeneration and commented on the need to ensure sustainability of small towns in the long term.   It was suggested that a report on ‘Town Centre Regeneration’ be added to the forward work programme to be submitted to a future meeting.

                        Councillor Rosetta Dolphin raised further concerns around the need for good transport infrastructure and connectivity.

            Councillor Mike Reece proposed that a letter be sent to the WG on behalf of the Committee outlining the need for a Member of the Council to be appointed to the Deeside Enterprise Zone Board. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the ongoing work to ensure that Flintshire can both, continue to and gain from the Mersey Dee spatial part of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise growth proposal, be supported;

(b)       That the work to influence and develop the contribution North Wales can make to the Northern Powerhouse, be supported; and

(c)        That a letter be written to the Welsh Government outlining the Committee’s support for a Member of Flintshire County Council to be appointed to the Deeside Enterprise Zone Board.