Agenda item

In 2010 the Council approved its current Economic Strategy, including a commitment to review and refresh the document after a period of three years.  In conjunction with key partners it is proposed to publish the Strategy & Action Plan in October.

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones in an ad hoc statement welcomed the strategy as a very good response to changing economic times.  He made the following observations about the issue:  the danger of intensifying economic activity in a small area, thus putting demand on the infrastructure, meant that the Cabinet should consider an urban plan, not just a transport strategy; the nature of high-growth business was changing rapidly; Midsomer Norton was falling behind the pack and although the paper was forward-looking, it was focused too much on the city of Bath.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson in an ad hoc statement supported the comments made by Councillor Anketell-Jones about Midsomer Norton.  Her PDS Panel had asked for an economic report on that area.  She pointed out that over 60% of the working population in that area commuted into Bath or Bristol for their work.

Councillor John Bull in an ad hoc statement expressed disappointment that the strategy did not differentiate between towns geographically.  He reminded the Cabinet that new jobs would require new work locations and was concerned that there were no such proposals, which would be a real hurdle to overcome.

Peter Duppa-Miller in an ad hoc statement [a copy of which is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 14 and on the Council’s website] referred to paragraph 5.12 of the strategy and re-iterated the view of the Town and Parish Councils Association that this was a strategic issue.  He strongly urged the early implementation of Theme 12, which he said must deliver reliable, high-speed broadband to every home and business tin the rural area.

Councillor Ben Stevens introduced the item by reminding the Cabinet that this was a commitment given in 2010.  The document set out the local economic priorities.  The 2008 recession had caused a reduction in jobs but this had been reversed.  There was a particular emphasis on high-tech opportunities.  High-speed broadband was a critical plank in the strategy, as was the development of the market towns.  He would welcome a conversation with Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones if he felt the strategy was not flexible enough towards businesses.

Councillor Stevens felt that Midsomer Norton was a very successful market town with a thriving High Street and that proposed initiatives in that area would contribute to this.  He observed that steps had been taken to encourage the use of some sites in Paulton but many companies were looking particularly for sites along the A4 corridor.

Councillor Stevens referred to the 3 key schemes, listed in paragraph 5.2 of the report.  He moved the proposals.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.  He emphasised that solutions were coming forward for the Cadbury site in Keynsham and for Midsomer Norton.  The whole area was proving to be very attractive to new companies.

Councillor Tim Ball congratulated Councillor Ben Stevens for the excellent strategy.  This was one part of the Core Strategy which would back up all the Council has been doing.  He was keen to see the growth in businesses, houses and jobs in the Radstock area.

Councillor David Dixon observed that in 2011, when the current administration had been formed, the area had not yet been acknowledged as the 3^rd best place to live in the UK as it now was.  He was delighted that things were beginning to move forward in Midsomer Norton and Radstock.  The challenge would be to build suitable accommodation and office buildings in the area.  He pointed out to those who had complained of bad broadband coverage in the rural areas that the businesses in Walcot Street also suffered because of the old copper broadband installation.

Councillor David Bellotti was pleased that unemployment was reducing in the area, there had been a massive reduction in benefit claimants and businesses and colleges were providing large numbers of apprenticeships.

Councillor Ben Stevens, in summing up, said he would be meeting very soon with Bradwells to discuss the broadband provision in Walcot Street.

On a motion from Councillor Ben Stevens, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To ENDORSE the objectives and priorities set out in the Economic Strategy Review and agree the Action Plan as a framework for partnership action in the period 2014–2020; and

(2) To DELEGATE authority to the Strategic Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, to:

(i) agree a framework for measuring and monitoring progress against the key priorities in the Economic Strategy; and

(ii) agree minor amendments to the Strategy & Action Plan in conjunction with the Economic Partnership Group prior to publication of the documents.