Agenda item

To consider the report of the City Growth and Delivery Manager describing the Economic Growth Strategy 2018-20.

46.1    Councillor James (Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy) provided an overview of the proposed Economic Growth Strategy. He brought to the Committee’s attention that the presentation represented the early stages of developing the strategy. He advised that the presentation to be considered by the Committee is what was considered by the Cabinet but that it had not been amended. Councillor James further stated that it was important that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee have input in this area. He stressed that, in terms of economic development, the Council was not working alone. By way of example, he noted the work undertaken with the Local Enterprise Partnership, the County Council and businesses in the City.

46.2    The City Growth and Delivery Manager stated that his presentation was a combination of initial thoughts and ideas and would evolve. He advised that the strategy was centred on what the Council would contribute to growth in the City. He further advised that economic development was a very small team within the Council and that he wanted a strategy that was both ambitious and dynamic.

46.3    With regard to the state of the economy, the City Growth and Delivery Manager advised that Gloucester had a high employment rate accompanied by a good wage level whilst he noted a high rate of population growth. He also noted that there were some areas of real deprivation. He identified as a challenge whether there was sufficient infrastructure to continue and drive growth. He also queried how it might be possible to challenge negative perceptions of Gloucester. He noted that there was an opportunity for growth with the expansion of the University and the building of more student accommodation in the City.

46.4    With regard to priorities, the City Growth and Delivery Manager stated that the Council pursue a strategy to ensure that local jobs were key to the King’s Quarter deal and that the knowledge economy would require targeting. He also noted that it was necessary to improve communication infrastructure in the City.

46.5    In terms of measuring success, he stated that a number of matters were difficult to measure numerically but that the impact of the strategy would be seen in the growth of businesses and increased consumer spending.

46.6    Councillor Pullen noted that the City Growth and Delivery Manager had raised the matter of deprivation in parts of the City. Councillor Pullen highlighted that such deprivation occurred across the City and was not limited to areas such as Matson and Podsmead. He further highlighted the young population of Gloucester and that it would be useful to have a greater emphasis on young people not in education, training or employment.

46.7    Councillor Wilson shared his view that the outline of the strategy was short with regard to time. He stated that he wanted an ambitious growth programme but queried what drove the timeline. The City Growth and Delivery Manager advised that in two years’ time, the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union would be clearer and that he was keen to put together a programme of work to implement growth strategies. Councillor James further advised that once a full report on this strategy had been produced, Cabinet would be able to give details of a longer term growth strategy.

46.8    Councillor Hilton stated that Gloucester needed to have a mixed economy with more in the manufacturing sector. He shared his view that the presentation highlighted uncertainty of leaving the European Union but did not address what could be done to improve growth. He stated that he was pleased with the Council’s continued support for Gloucestershire Airport and that this needed to be considered in light of Gloucestershire 2050 proposals.

46.9    The City Growth and Delivery Manager agreed that the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union required specific attention particular questions of labour and access to markets. He stated that the greatest issue for business was uncertainty around these matters.

46.10  In response to a query from Councillor Tracey on the timeframe for when the strategy would be in operation, the City Growth and Delivery Manager advised that it had been initially proposed as a three year plan and that it would not be prudent to speculate beyond this.

46.11  Councillor Tracey shared her view that not enough was being done to address issues young people face in the City. She noted that a number of youth clubs were no longer in operation but noted that young people were engaged in a new technological age. The Chair noted that the Vision 2050 project identified that many young people leave the county and queried how such a demographic could remain. He stated that it was necessary to consult with young people so as to ascertain what would have them remain in the locality.

46.12  The City Growth and Delivery Manager stated that young people were very important to the City. He further stated that jobs, culture and perceptions of the City were important for all across society. He advised that it would be preferable to listen to their concerns rather than stating what they should be doing. Councillor James agreed that it was important to get youth input, particularly with regard to the design of King’s Square.

46.13  The Vice-Chair noted that driving economic growth would require working with other organisations and that Gloucester needed to lead on growth in the region. To this end, she asked how prepared the Council was to fulfil such a role. The City Growth and Delivery Manager stated that the Council was best positioned due to the democratic mandate it holds. He stated that the Council will work with a number of organisations who may have had particular interests which was not the case for the Council. Councillor James stated that the City Council was seen as a reliable and good partner and that such relationships were important.

46.14  Councillor Dee stated that it was pleasing that much time had been spent planning for the future of the City and that it would be positive it Gloucester were able to drive growth in the region.

46.16  Councillor Melvin stated that the Council needed to be mindful of not allowing businesses to land bank and should encourage the opening of small manufacturing businesses. The City Growth and Delivery Manager noted that low-skilled jobs were vital to the economy and, in relation to Gloucester driving growth stated that it was important to work with all areas.

46.17  The Chair thanked Councillor James and the City Growth and Delivery Manager for their presentation and time.