Minutes:
The Chief Officer for Enterprise provided a presentation on the Cardiff City Deal explaining that County Councillor P. Fox will report on progress with the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal Transition Board in due course.
The Chief Officer introduced the City Deal explaining that it will provide investment for economic growth for the Cardiff Capital Region in partnership with the Welsh Government and 10 local authorities. It was explained that the City Deal comprises a £1.2 billion infrastructure investment fund for projects and programmes that are can provide an investment return within the region.
Following the presentation, a Member questioned plans to provide teachers with improved IT skills to complement the developments. The Chair reported that a Joint Economy and Development with Children and Young People’s Select Committee meeting was held on 11th July 2016 focussing on IT provision and skills.
The Chief Officer for Enterprise responded that it was important that jobs created are for our young people and referred to the establishment of the Learning Skills and Innovation Partnership for South East Wales to inform the skills requirements from early years to higher education aligned to economic intelligence in the region.
A Member asked a question about the continuation of financial support for scientific research and the implications for the Metro project post Brexit. It was also queried how to assure accountability and benefits of the City Deal for our constituents.
The Chief Officer for Enterprise was unable to comment, as the implications of Brexit are unclear at this time. Members’ attention was drawn to IQE, a company at the forefront of the development of advanced compound semi-conductors with a potential to realise significant numbers of job opportunities in the future. The Chief Officer for Enterprise advised of the importance of recognising the Unique Selling Point for Monmouthshire and the region.
In response to a query, it was clarified that once the agreement has been signed by the ten local authorities, each will have the opportunity to access funding for projects that are most relevant for its area. Proposed projects must have regional scale and significance, and be pertinent to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
The Chair stated the need to work with communities, including the hard to reach areas, to support the creation of job opportunities of varying levels. It was queried, for example, if the apprenticeship scheme could be up scaled for the whole region to establish entry level opportunities that grow into fulltime well paid jobs.
A Member questioned opportunities for engagement outside Wales.
The Chief Officer for Enterprise agreed that a joined up approach with the West Country is to be encouraged and referred to the establishment of links with the Great Western Cities partnership and Business West.
It was suggested that small steps could include that employer organisations and employers being represented on school governing bodies.
Members discussed the importance of investment in infrastructure specifically in terms of transport and communications, and superfast broadband. It was commented that the proposed Metro won’t help some areas of Monmouthshire noting that there is limited access to buses, and that the Valley areas and Cardiff are more likely to receive investment. It was commented that further education institutes should concentrate on more technological subjects.
The Chief Officer for Enterprise informed Members that Cardiff University in conjunction with the Alacrity Foundation is progressing well with the establishment of a national software academy to reduce the length of degree courses and to specialise in the software development required for technology industries.
The Chair agreed that an informal visit to a technical manufacturer would be arranged for Members’ information.
The Chair thanked the Officers for their contributions to the meeting.