Agenda item

To provide a summary of current economic conditions in the region and the County drawing from a number of sources.  And to provide a summary of the governance structures in place to respond to economic recovery and the work programmes currently underway.

(a)       That the contents and conclusions of the report be supported; and

(b)       That a letter be sent to the Economic Ambition Board to invite a representative to the 3^rd March Committee meeting to outline future plans/work streams with the education sector to promote the educational/ work opportunities across North Wales.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) introduced a report on current economic conditions in Flintshire and across the region, set in the context of the UK position.  The report also summarised the governance structures in place to respond to economic recovery and work programmes.

The Service Manager - Enterprise and Regeneration explained that the report reflected the current transitionary phase and reinforced Flintshire’s position as one of the strongest economies in Wales.  Although there had been fewer large-scale redundancies than predicted, the challenges in recruitment and retention had escalated throughout the pandemic.  Two significant issues were lack of suitable sites and premises for investment and recruiting to key sectors.  The regional work to support economic recovery was noted including the packages of support measures developed and awaiting funding decisions.  The local group would ensure the effective co-ordination of workstreams to deliver the best impact for Flintshire.  During an overview of the key schemes, it was noted that work was progressing to improve data on town centres and the outcome of the Welsh Government (WG) pilot on Town Centre Entrepreneurship Loans was awaited.

Thanking officers for the detailed report. Councillor David Healey called for the Government to provide greater incentives for businesses to take on apprentices.  The Service Manager spoke about work locally and regionally to improve the flow of information to encourage learners and that as a result of the pandemic, many businesses were opening up to apprenticeship opportunities.

In response to comments from Councillor Clive Carver about the extent of digital improvements across the County including his ward, the Service Manager referred to workstreams under the Digital Strategy and the North Wales Growth Deal and would discuss further outside the meeting Councillor Carver’s concerns.

Councillor Derek Butler welcomed the report in highlighting the robust economy in Flintshire and identifying issues for further improvement.  He said that skill shortages and recruitment challenges were evident before the pandemic and Brexit, and that the Council should continue to make representations to WG to increase apprenticeship opportunities.

Councillors Hilary McGuill and Marion Bateman both commented that the lack of available commercial units did not encourage business expansion.  In response to a question, the Service Manager provided clarification on the allocation of the latest round of grant funding to businesses and would check if there were new funding incentives to encourage employers to take on apprentices.

Councillor Derek Butler paid tribute to the work of the Service Manager and Revenues Manager and their teams in managing grant funding for businesses.  He agreed with concerns about the lack of industrial units and suggested that the Council may wish to consider a build programme to meet demand.

On industrial units, the Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) clarified the Council’s role in respect of land availability and gave examples of applications at various sites.  He referred Members to the forthcoming Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee report on the proposed approach to bid for UK Government Levelling Up funding to increase investment in the commercial property estate.

Whilst welcoming the report, the Chairman said that it did not fully address town centres and that information on workstreams should include a timetable to monitor progress.  The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) advised that the appointment of a town centre officer would support this work.

In response to a suggestion by the Chairman on engaging with schools to address the skills shortage, officers confirmed that the matter had been identified as a strategic risk and was a priority of the Economic Ambition Board (EAB) in addition to local workstreams.

Following debate on the best approach, the Facilitator suggested that a letter be sent to the EAB to establish their plans to engage with the education sector and to express the views of the Committee, which was welcomed by the Chairman.

The Chief Executive made a further suggestion that a representative of the EAB be invited to provide information to the Committee on promoting skills with the education sector.  He would liaise with the Chief Officer and Facilitator on this.  The Chairman moved the additional recommendation and was seconded by Councillor Joe Johnson.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the contents and conclusions of the report be supported; and

(b)       That a letter be sent to the Economic Ambition Board to invite a representative to the 3^rd March Committee meeting to outline future plans/work streams with the education sector to promote the educational/ work opportunities across North Wales.