Agenda and draft minutes

None.

To update the committee on the Economy, Employment and Skills Strategy action plan.

Hannah Jones, James Woodcock and Cabinet Member Paul Griffiths introduced the report and answered the members’ questions with Will McLean:

How can Monmouthshire’s economy be described as “working to full capacity” while also suggesting it could be “more vibrant”?

“Full capacity” refers to high employment levels, strong business occupancy (particularly in industrial spaces), and a highly qualified workforce. However, achieving greater vibrancy would require additional people and more industrial space to support further growth.

What is behind the increase in NEETs? Was it predictable, due to more children with complex needs, or was it unexpected?

The rise is multifaceted. It reflects increased complexity of needs, the impact of COVID-19 on secondary education, and challenges in post-16 provision – particularly around Level 2 qualifications and transport in Monmouth. Work is ongoing to broaden post-16 options and improve early identification tools. Recent data shows a reduction in NEET numbers, with final figures still pending.

It was noted that while the unemployment rate is low (2.8%), about 20% of Monmouthshire’s working-age population is economically inactive, which is only slightly below the UK average. It is important not to overlook this group, as one in five adults aged 16-64 are not working despite being able to. Should the council consider how to support and engage them?

There are ongoing efforts to support economically inactive cohorts into work, with new programmes like Connect to Work with DWP, and the need for bespoke support. 29.4% of the inactive are students (higher than the Wales average), 18% are long-term sick (lower than Wales/GB averages), and 25% are retired (almost double the rate elsewhere), indicating that students and retirees make up a significant portion of the inactive group.

Why have business numbers fallen from 4,575 to 4,445, and has the council evaluated the long-term sustainability of business support after the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) ends? Which programmes depend on SPF, and what are the plans for sustaining them after March 2026?

The council is working with internal and regional partners to understand the transition from SPF to the new Local Growth Fund, which is currently under consultation. There is no direct read-across, and some projects may need to be refocused. An impact assessment of SPF-supported work is underway and will be shared with the committee.

What is being done to improve extremely patchy rural broadband, which remains a critical barrier for businesses?

The officers will take this question away and provide a written response, as it is not directly within their remit. – ACTION

What is the impact of the 180-day rule on sustaining tourism businesses in Monmouthshire?

A research project is underway to assess the impact of the 180-day rule, which will inform lobbying efforts with Welsh Government, but the question will be referred to tourism colleagues for a fuller written response. – ACTION

What interventions could reduce the rise in Universal Credit claimants aged 18-24 (from 441 to 729), and what proportion cite transport barriers?

A pilot with DWP offers a 12-week programme for young  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To scrutinise the assessment of requirements, how these are prioritised, MCC’s approach, etc. 

Carl Touhig delivered a presentation and answered the members’ questions with Christopher Mitchell, Sueanne Sandford,Cabinet Member Catrin Maby, and Graham Kinsella:

Why is there no project plan for major roadworks, and could visibility of the various stages help to manage expectations and improve communication with residents and businesses?

Publishing a detailed programme of work can create unrealistic expectations because plans often change due to factors such as ecology checks or storm damage. However, there is a commitment to improve communication by sharing available plans for major works and engaging with communities earlier, while making clear that changes may occur.

Who is responsible for the A40 in Monmouth, particularly when traffic lights fail, and how should such incidents be handled?

Responsibility for the A40 lies with SWTRA, but some traffic lights may fall under MCC’s network. Both teams would respond to incidents, and the police should be the first point of contact for immediate safety. Further investigation can be carried out if specific details are provided.

Are there alternatives to temporary pothole repairs that could provide more permanent solutions and save money in the long term?

Temporary repairs are used for immediate safety and are cost-effective, but the team also undertakes patching and permanent repairs when possible. Materials are chosen for quick installation and minimal disruption, and engineering expertise is applied to incorporate permanent fixes into wider maintenance programmes.

What qualifies as a pothole, and could addressing smaller defects earlier help to prevent bigger issues?

Potholes and defects are categorised based on road hierarchy and defect size. The urgency and response depend on location and severity, with higher priority given to defects on main roads or in wheel tracks.

Is there an annual work plan for clearing drains, given that blocked drains can worsen potholes, especially in winter?

Drainage is handled reactively due to resource constraints, with no scheduled preventive maintenance. Blocked gullies are addressed when reported, and residents can help by clearing leaf litter from gully tops.

Is the budget split equally between roads and pavements, considering the extensive lengths of both?

The budget is not split equally. There is a long list of pavement works, but funding is capped. Pavement condition analysis is ongoing, and active travel funding is used where possible, particularly in targeted areas like Chepstow.

How can issues with unadopted highways and open manholes be resolved, given the difficulty in identifying ownership and ensuring safety?

Specific cases can be investigated if details are provided. The approach involves working with enforcement and legal teams to resolve ownership and address safety concerns. It is important to use the MyMon app or Council services to report issues, as this helps to prioritise and track repairs.

Is the increased weight of electric vehicles (300-500 kg heavier than combustion vehicles) being monitored for its impact on road conditions, and is there any research on this?

The issue is recognised, and monitoring is underway for technical notes and failures, particularly at junctions, as the situation evolves. Relevant findings will be shared  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Scrutiny of the annual performance report prior to submission to Welsh Government.

Any questions to be emailed to officers for a subsequent response.

To inform Members of the Plan’s Progress.

Any questions to be emailed to officers for a subsequent response.

Members were reminded about the forthcoming invitation to People Committee on 21^st January for Education items, and that members can view the Cabinet and Council Planner at any time by following the linkon the Democratic Services page of the Hub. It was agreed at the last Scrutiny Chairs meeting that the draft budget proposals in the new year will be tabled to Performance & Overview only, but with the invitation to be issued to all members.