Issue - meetings

Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, introduced the report. He stated that this was an exciting moment as the last economic strategy was 10 years old. He stated that it is refreshingly compact in size and reflects many of the aspirations of this administration. It has been developed with stakeholders and informed by principles of doughnut economics. He further explained that it looks beyond purely economic indicators and has three themes: infrastructure, innovation and opportunity. The Cabinet Member explained that this would be considered by Cabinet in January 2024.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Henman asked how doughnut framing allows BANES to set the economy for the future. The Cabinet Member explained that it allows us to set out our stall as to what we want to achieve.

Councillor MacFie referenced the GVA figures regarding the 3.8% local growth compared to the national figure of 21.8% and asked about the plan to bring up the local growth rate. The Cabinet Member stated that the strategy does not focus specifically on GVA. There is a unique set of circumstances such as – a high portion of (wealthy) residents who do not work; high dependence on hospitality and tourism and lost industrial players (MOD). He stated that the success of the strategy is not based on GVA alone.

Councillor Simon asked if the document was amendable and gave some comments for potential inclusion:

·  Electricity supply, maybe include grid connection issues

·  Affordable housing – sometimes market price housing is more affordable. Build the right size housing and bear down construction cost growth

·  Skills – the role of WECA and the Mayor. The Further Education (FE) sector.

·  Riverside innovation corridor

The Cabinet Member noted the above comments. The Director of Sustainable Communities commented that the document is a draft and can be amended.

Councillor Hodge stated that it is a useful document, she stated that the 10 metrics at the end are things we were going to do anyway. She suggested 2 sections are boxed so they are not lost in the narrative.

Councillor Blackburn stated that on first impression the document is a wish list but the ‘how’ and ‘why’ are not always answered. He gave some examples:

·  Affordable housing is mentioned but no explanation of how this will happen.

·  It is stated that BANES is number 1 for micro businesses but does not say why (which could then be learned from).

·  South Quays is mentioned but it does not say how effective this has been – there are still empty floors.

·  5G is lacking and is not addressed

·  Somer Valley Enterprise Zone (SVEZ) is mentioned but the transportation side of it is not explained.

He stated that he is pleased that there is a plan.

Councillor Treby stated that it was great to have some KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) but only Net Zero is qualitative. He stated that we already have a Climate Emergency Strategy and Ecological Emergency Strategy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33