Agenda item

The updated Strategy was agreed by the Council’s Cabinet in September 2013 and subsequently published in November 2013. This report sets out progress against the Key and Strategic Measures of Success which were included in the Review document.

The Group Manager for Economy & Culture explained that the context of the review was cross cutting to include the areas of; A Whole Economy Approach, External Governance, Public Service Board, Welfare.

He said that the Economic Strategy Review document was developed with a group of key partners and stakeholders and that together with the Health & Wellbeing and Transport Strategies it forms a suite of high level strategies to guide the future of the B&NES area. 

He stated that the updated Strategy was agreed by the Council’s Cabinet in September 2013 and subsequently published in November.

He spoke of how the review identifies eight priority sectors which will be the focus for future economic and employment growth, these are split into Key and Core sectors:

• Core sectors currently employ significant numbers of people locally and will continue to be important in employment terms. They cover: tourism, leisure, arts and culture / retail / health & wellbeing / finance & professional business services
• Key sectors are generally smaller in employment terms but higher value added and offer the potential for significant future expansion. They cover: creative & digital / ICT / advanced engineering & electronics / environmental & low carbon

He informed the Panel that Appendix one to the report sets out progress against the Success Measures for the period 2010 – 2014. It shows:

• That against the key measures of growth in jobs / GVA / productivity the area’s economy has performed well and running ahead of target
• That employment growth in the Priority Sectors is ahead of target but with a focus on growth in the Core Sectors including retail, the visitor economy and health
• That because of the focus on the Core Sectors and the increase in part-time employment:
• The average productivity (GVA) per worker has not grown as much as projected to date

• The average annual income per employee has fallen, however in contrast resident earnings have risen by 2.3% between 2010 – 2014 reflecting the fact that the B&NES resident workforce has above average qualification levels

He explained that the Digital B&NES project was seeking to support all residents and businesses to be able to use the best technology. He added that a pilot Wi-Fi system was being trialled across the duration of the Christmas Market and that the Panel could expect to receive further information regarding this work at a future meeting.

Councillor Colin Blackburn what the level of business space demand was.

The Group Manager for Economy & Culture replied that there was a 250,000sqft unmet demand which equates to a size bigger than the planned Enterprise Area.

Councillor Colin Blackburn asked what the Council does when people or companies choose to work in Bristol because they cannot wait until the Enterprise Area is ready.

The Group Manager for Economy & Culture replied that they do work hard with those that have identified a desire to be here and keep them informed of progress.

Councillor Colin Blackburn asked how the demand for space will be broken down into the right elements for the area.

The Group Manager for Economy & Culture replied that it will be office orientated with a focus on financial services and technology firms attempting to create a pathway of growth.

Councillor Barry Macrae asked where & how all of the proposed / encouraged new City of Bath employment outlined by the officers would be able to park, even get into the currently overheated & gridlocked central area.

The Strategic Director for Place replied that the Placemaking process would show what we intend to do with regard to growth.

The Divisional Director for Community Regeneration added that purpose built offices had not been built in B&NES for twenty years and that as the Council owned much of the land involved in the Enterprise Area it could retain the usage that it desired.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien commented that she wanted the Somerdale site to reach its full potential and not be diluted by construction of a care home on the site.

Councillor Barry Macrae called for the market towns of B&NES to be protected and allowed to develop alongside Bath and agreed with Councillor O’Brien that the Somerdale application was not entirely what we were expecting.

The Divisional Director for Community Regeneration replied that the Economic Development team would be making a strong case in this respect through the planning process.

Councillor Fiona Darey encouraged officers to recognise the value of sustainable developments.

The Group Manager for Economy & Culture replied that firms able to provide a low carbon facility are encouraged. He added that the Council looks to provide sustainability options through pedestrian travel / cycling.

Councillor Barry Macrae asked how we could look to achieve more sustainable communities and enable people in villages to have jobs nearer their homes.

The Group Manager for Economy & Culture replied that from the point of view from a lot of companies Bath is the attractor. He added that as part of the Enterprise Zone application there was a focus on Bath, but that other areas of the Council would be highlighted.

Councillor Colin Blackburn asked how city housing was being addressed as part of the Placemaking Plan.

The Strategic Director for Place replied that conversations were ongoing with regard to Affordable Housing and that the Council still planned to deliver the figures set out within the Core Strategy. She added that expansion plans were also being had with both of the local universities.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the progress against the Key & Strategic Measures of Success included in the Economic Strategy Review 2014 – 2030.