Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Hugh Evans, Leader and Lead Member for the Economy (copy enclosed) seeking approval of the ‘Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales’ as a basis for negotiations with the UK and Welsh Governments over a Growth Deal Bid for the region.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the “Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales” (attached as appendix to the report) and endorse its use as the basis for negotiations by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board with the UK and Welsh Governments over a Growth Deal Bid for the region, and

(b)       note that any formal Growth Deal Bid arising will be presented for decision by Council prior to any commitment being made by Denbighshire County Council.

Councillor Hugh Evans presented the report seeking approval of the ‘Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales’ as a basis for negotiations with the UK and Welsh Governments over a Growth Deal Bid for the region.

The Growth Vision document was the result of a collaborative approach and set out a clear ambition for North Wales, especially in relation to infrastructure development, skills and employment and business growth.  If business was secured to deliver the action plan of projects, the region would experience sustainable economic growth and the value of the North Wales economy would grow from £12.8 billion in 2015 to £20 billion by 2015 and generate at least 120,000 new employment opportunities.  The Leader believed Denbighshire was well placed logistically to benefit from investment and the Vision document would complement the Council’s own work in developing the local economy.  The Corporate Director Economy and Public Realm provided an overview of the document setting out the vision and strategy for growth across the region, including a package of projects, in order to deliver sustainable economic and employment growth and provide a basis for investment discussions with the UK and Welsh Governments.

Cabinet welcomed the Growth Vision as a means of providing a strategic framework and context in order to guide investment and deliver growth across the region and noted the broad support from other sectors and organisations.

The following matters were discussed further during the ensuing debate –

·         members discussed the strategy to capitalise on connection to the economies of the Northern Powerhouse and Ireland, particularly in light of changes within current administrations, and noted that there remained a continued commitment to strengthen and develop the economy and the Vision would ensure the region was best placed to capitalise on investment

·         developing a Growth Deal for North Wales had been included in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government and the Vision would form the basis for those negotiations – it was noted that the Minister for Economy and Infrastructure had been positive about the Vision and would have a key role in developing the North Wales economy

·         Councillor Eryl Williams had been disappointed that the agricultural industry had not been specifically mentioned with the Vision document given its importance in North Wales and the Leader referred to the difficulties in raising the profile of one particular industry over another, particularly when other industries created more jobs.  It was noted that some products of agriculture, such as the food and drink sector had been identified

·         the importance of transport infrastructure was highlighted and Councillor David Smith reported upon the work of the Transport Advisory Forum in influencing future transport plans to benefit and support economic growth in the region

·         reference was made to the skills agenda and ensuring people had the necessary skills and access to jobs when they were created and Councillor Eryl Williams reported upon work within schools regarding future careers to ensure young people were equipped with the skills employers need through various initiatives such as the Pathway+ programme.  Worklessness would be tackled through specific programmes focusing on the individual’s circumstances.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the “Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales” (attached as appendix to the report) and endorse its use as the basis for negotiations by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board with the UK and Welsh Governments over a Growth Deal Bid for the region, and

(b)       note that any formal Growth Deal Bid arising will be presented for decision by Council prior to any commitment being made by Denbighshire County Council.