County Councillor A. Davies and M. Feakins.

None.

The minutes from the previous meeting held on the 15^th March 2018 were agreed by the committee and signed by the Chair.

There were no members of the public wishing to address the committee.

We were joined in the Chamber by County Councillors Gwilym Williams, Karen Laurie Parry and Roger Williams from Powys County Council who were observing.

Context:

To present the findings to date of the current ‘Economies of the Future Analysis’ for discussion.

Key Issues:

Monmouthshire is entering an exciting time in its history. With the approval in the Cardiff Capital City Region (‘CCR’) to establish a Joint Cabinet to oversee the Region’s economic growth City Deal agenda, and the announcement by UK Government to remove the Severn Bridge Tolls in 2018, Monmouthshire is set to be a key economic growth area in the CCR.

However;

 Over 40% of the resident population out-commute;

 House prices are rising with South Monmouthshire prices increasing by 10% in comparison to the 2% Wales average over the last five years and average house prices £80,000 more than the Welsh and UK average;

 By 2035 there will be 184% more people over 85 years old whilst population levels of young people are set to diminish;

 The Local Authority’s budget is set to decrease by a further £14m over the next four years.

In order to capitalise on the forthcoming regional opportunities and address our economic issues at a county level, in December 2017 research was commissioned to help the Authority build on its current economic development strategy and identify a new strategy that is future ready. The research takes the Baseline Economic Analysis for South East Wales 2015 and the Monmouthshire Digital Maturity Analysis of 2016 as its baseline data, considers the priorities and actions detailed in the current Monmouthshire Business Growth and Enterprise Strategy and then identifies economic opportunities and growth sectors that will provide jobs for our communities in the future.

The research also considers the centricity of Monmouthshire in terms of its proximity to the English borders of the South West including

Bristol and Gloucester and the West Midlands on its north-eastern border, whilst also identifying the supporting housing and commercial infrastructure that will be required to facilitate identified economic growth sectors and inform the future Local Development Plan.

Specifically the research has focused on:

• The most appropriate growth sectors that will provide the economies of the future for Monmouthshire;

• The provision of a detailed observational study of the accommodation and locational needs of the identified growth sectors;

• An assessment of the suitability and deliverability of existing employment sites as identified by the Local Development Plan;

• Other potential employment sites that can be put forward as options for consideration in the Local Development Plan process;

• An indication of the skills sets that will be required to address the growth sector needs and whether it is feasible for Monmouthshire citizens to meet these needs or whether the County needs to look to attract labour from elsewhere, if so where?;

• An assessment of whether current population levels can sustain the economic growth required in the county;

 Potential inward migration required to develop and sustain the identified growth sectors;

• Potential locations for a new settlement that can be put forward as options for consideration in the LDP revision process.

• Modelled scenarios and associated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Thursday 7^th June 2018 at 10.00am.

The Committee received a presentation on the progress of the City Deal from Kellie Beirne, Deputy CEO.

Member Scrutiny

A Member asked what we are doing to create a community for worker from the high value jobs and are we pitching Monmouthshire as an attractive environment.

In regard to a cyber security academy, it was asked if we have timescales for the implementation.

It was asked if there was any interaction between the Bristol and Cardiff city deals.

The growth of the semi-conductor industry was applauded and it was asked if we are encouraging associated industries into the locality.

A Member asked what is the life span of the semi-conductor industry and would the Brexit deal effect the growth.

It was asked how we would address any skills gap so that high level jobs are created and filled locally.

In regard to the evidence of growth, it was asked why we are not being included in the second phase broadband roll out to avoid falling further behind.

Entrepreneurs need pace and it was asked if the City Deal will be an enabler.

The major impact on the south of the county has been recognised however there are concerns of how the north of the county will benefit and it was asked how we could best obtain benefit for all.

The Severnside economy was raised as a concern and it was asked what we can do to best encourage technology businesses into the area.

It was asked if we have contingencies in place if the market changes.

In regard to future governance it has been identified that we need a formal joint scrutiny arrangement and members were advised that an elected member from MCC would need to be nominated to sit on the joint scrutiny committee. The scrutiny manager will bring a report to the next committee meeting outlining the role.

Noted.

We received the Economy and Development Select Committee Forward Work Programme. In doing so, the following points were noted:

·         Workshops on the 11^th and 15^th May.

·         Marketing Monmouthshire

·         Broadband

·         People Strategy

·         Digital Strategy

·         Strategic assessment management plan including the asset invest policy

·         Procurement Policy

·         Commercialisation Strategy

·         Finance Strategy

County Councillor Jez Becker advised that on the evening of the14^th 2018 Lord Clement Jones will be at the Drill Hall to discuss A.I. and the effect on the economy and all are welcome.

We received the Council and Cabinet Business Forward Plan and noted its content.

Thursday 7^th June 2018 at 10.00am.

The next Economy and Development Select Committee meeting will be held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Rhadyr, Usk, on Thursday 7^th June 2018 at 10.00am.