Agenda item

There will be a presentation at the meeting.

The Chair invited Jackie Clayton to introduce the report and to give a presentation. The presentation covered the following:

·  Economic Strategy Update

·  Background and purpose

·  Strategic context

·  Economic Strategy Development Process

·  The local economy

·  A story of success

·  A recovering economy post-Covid

·  A tale of a two tier economy

·  Evidence highlights future challenges we need to address

·  Draft strategic framework

·  Forward timeline - indicative

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

Councillor Singleton asked for the definition of ‘micro business’ and asked about ‘sustainable aviation’. The officer explained that a ‘microbusiness’ has under 4 employees (later clarified as under 9 employees). She explained that sustainable aviation is a recognition of sectors that are already present and a question for the future as to what we want to encourage.

Councillor Furse noted the rise in jobs in education and health and asked about these jobs in terms of income as if the jobs are of lower income this can lead to workers having to live outside of the city and travel in. He also made reference to the two wards identified in terms of deprivation – he pointed out that there are pockets of deprivation in other wards that are worse than the two referred to but are not flagged up. We need to target smaller enclaves of deprivation. The officer stated that we need to attract people to do the jobs that need doing while balancing affordable housing and transport concerns.

Councillor MacFie referenced BANES being number one regarding microbusinesses. He asked how accommodation would be needed and referenced the lack of available commercial space in Keynsham and Bath. He asked about the term ‘good work’. The officer explained that this meant a job that pays enough to live well where there is potential for training/upskilling.

Councillor Hughes stated that Midsomer Norton residents concerns are that there is one strategy for two vastly different areas (Bath and NES). He asked if the strategy focused more on the needs of Bath. He stated that the affordable housing level is not met in Bath. He stated that we are moving people on poorer incomes out of Bath who need to then commute back in to the city. He pointed to the extra security measures for the city centre of contrasted this with the lack of street marshals in Midsomer Norton. The officer agreed that is was important not to have a one size fits all strategy. The Cabinet Member forEconomic Development, Regeneration and Growth, Councillor Roper, stated that he had been at a meeting with businesses from Midsomer Norton and Radstock and that many had stated that the felt left out. Those Bath based businesses reported a lack of networking since Covid. He stated that there was a need to improve contact with businesses.

Councillor Duguid stated that housing affordability is an issue causing people to commute into the city. The officer stated that this was a challenge and could be picked up by the local plan process.

Councillor Warrington stated that Midsomer Norton is different from Bath. She stated that her ward is rural with a lot of agriculture yet is an expensive area to live. She explained that modern company’s have wanted to move into rural areas but could not due to rural broadband issues.

The Chair thanked the officers.