The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “M”) will be submitted to the Committee to provide an update on the progress to deliver the Bradford District Economic Strategy 2018-2030 and the subsequent Bradford District Economic Recovery Plan 2021- 2023. It also provides an update on initial steps towards a new Economic Strategy and Implementation Plan delivering a sustainable and inclusive economy that works for everyone through an overarching approach focused on Clean Growth.

Recommended –

That members note the contents of this report, and views of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the matters highlighted are requested. 

(Sarah Carling - 07816 351362)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “M”) was submitted to update the Scrutiny Committee on the progress to deliver the Bradford District Economic Strategy 2018-2030 and the subsequent Bradford District Economic Recovery Plan 2021-2023. It also provided an update on initial steps towards a new Economic Strategy and Implementation Plan delivering a sustainable and inclusive economy that works for everyone through an overarching approach focused on Clean Growth.

The report provided a brief update of the current economic conditions following the Covid -19 Pandemic and reflected current global economic turbulence, which set the context for the delivery of current strategy and plan.

Officers summarised the main points giving an overview of its content and background information relating to the post Covid recovery plan. 

The report also provided details of the important progress in delivering key elements of the strategy including Bradford Live, Darley Street Market, Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund bids, the Hall Ings Road scheme, One City Park, Skillshouse and the successful bid to become UK City of Culture in 2025.

In response to the impact of the pandemic, the Council in collaboration with the University of Bradford formed the Bradford Economic Recovery Board.  The Board brought a diverse and inclusive group of Council and business leaders together alongside partner organisations and key stakeholders to guide the development of the Bradford District’s Economic Recovery Plan which was published in early 2021.

Headlines on actions discussed in the report included both immediate and aspirational interventions with actions to address key areas of opportunity.  More comprehensive details were also provided in appendices submitted with the main report.

An explanation of the plan for an Economic Strategy and Clean Growth Implementation Plan (2023-2030) to direct the district towards high growth with a perspective on investment and commercial opportunities was also included for Members information.

Members were then given the opportunity to comment and ask questions, the details of which and the responses given are as below.

A Member asked about the remit/role of the Economic Partnership Board or its equivalent and was advised that it was a partnership group with oversight and consultative role on strategy and comprised a mixture of public sector and business leaders.

Officers were then asked what resources were available to the Board and was advised that financial resources were minimal.  The Chair was supported to attend meetings in order to promote the District to central Government and wider businesses.

Members asked about the quality of jobs available as employment levels were increasing despite the pandemic.  Officers advised that they did not have data with enough details to answer as it was sourced from ONS and DWP.  Officers stated that they would find out what data could be made available and informed members that there had been a reduction in the number of zero hour contracts as less workers were available.  Work was mainly lower paid so improving skills to improve the quality of jobs was needed.

Members asked what else was being done apart from job coaches and Maximus to skill or upskill the workforce and were advised that more information was available and would be provided.

The question of how looked after children and their families were benefitting from the Business Enterprise Fund support given to Morrisons was asked.  Officers advised that funding was maximised to create opportunities and Morrisons was one example of this.  Looked After Children was a priority area and work was carried out to support care leavers into apprenticeships and provision of additional support during participation in some employment or training programmes.

What were the challenges to the Local Authority in the future and what were the strategies to overcome them?  Officers stated that there was a widespread concern regarding a recession in view of the Chancellor’s Autumn announcement with business already feeling the strain.  Preparations for the short term were already in place and the authority was working to provide services with longer term aspirations.  Examples of these were regeneration, affordable housing, skills levels, growth sectors (green economy) and a focus to generate new, well paid opportunities.  Measures would be put in place to support residents such as key infrastructure.

A Member asked about access to work and skills development and what was in place if someone was already in employment citing the frustration at the lack of information and support available.  Officers responded that there was a rising problem of in-work poverty and the range of information and support needed to be made available.  The Corporate Centre would be requested to ensure that information and support were made available on the Council’s website and that it was publicised.  There were also 2 programmes being worked on with a decision on funding due imminently, to develop programmes on upskilling in conjunction with local businesses and could be tailored to meet individual and business needs.

In relation to clean growth and the target for net zero by 2038, Members asked if there would be any further developments that increased carbon emissions and whether they would be refused if not deemed ‘zero’.  Officers stated that the goal was clean growth with carbon offsetting and mitigation.  They then summarised some of the projects that were underway including park and ride schemes, the clean air zone, a district heat network and the hydrogen plant etc.

Resolved –

1.         That the contents of this report be noted. 

2.         Officers be thanked for their informative report.

Action: Strategic Director, Place