Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

The report provides details of the process of the Stockport Work and Skills Commission and the Community Insight project, their findings and recommendations for actions to take forward.

It is recommended that the Cabinet:

·         Note and comment upon the content of the report with regard to the two work streams reported on.

·         Endorse the Council’s ongoing approach to delivering Inclusive Growth to maximise the benefits of the investment being made in Stockport.

·         Endorse the creation of the Stockport Work and Skills Board in June / July 2018 so that the work to progress the actions against the priorities can begin.

·         In relation to Community Insight, support the approach as outlined at paragraph 3.9 – 3.11 of the report.

Officer contact: Richard Mortimer, 0161 474 3864, Richard.mortimer@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Cabinet with an update on the Stockport Work and Skills Commission and the Community Insight project, including details of the findings and recommendations.

The Leader of the Council stressed this was a good example the Council working in partnership, particularly with the business sector, but emphasised the challenge that remained in addressing skills needs in the borough.

Cabinet Members also highlighted the value of Community Insight work is providing context for the inclusive growth aims of the Cabinet and to give a ‘human face’ to the data about work and poverty in Stockport.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Work and Skills Commission and Community Insight project:-

·      the content of the report with regard to the two work streams be noted;

·      the Council’s ongoing approach to delivering Inclusive Growth to maximise the benefits of the investment being made in Stockport be endorsed;

·      the creation of the Stockport Work and Skills Board in June / July 2018 so that the work to progress the actions against the priorities can begin be endorsed; and

·      support the approach to Community Insight as outlined at paragraph 3.9 – 3.11 of the report be supported.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report updates the Scrutiny Committee on two work streams: the Work and Skills Commission and Community Insight aspects of Inclusive Growth.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:-

·         note and comment upon the content of the report with regard to the two work streams reported on;

·         endorse the Council’s approach to delivering Inclusive Growth to maximise the benefits of the investment being made in Stockport;

·         endorse the creation of the Stockport Work and skills board in June/July so that the work to progress the actions against the priorities can begin; and

·         in relation to Community Insight, support the app[roach as outlined in paragraphs 3.9 - 3.11 of the report.

Officer Contacts:

Richard Mortimer on 0161 474 3864 or richard.mortimer@stockport.gov.uk (Work and Skills Commission)

Joanna Foskett on 07875 990407 or email: joanna.foskett@stockport.gov.uk (Community Insight).

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Scrutiny Committee on two work streams: the Works and Skills Commission and Community Insight Aspects of Inclusive Growth. The aim of the Work and Skills Commission was to identify the key issues and opportunities for Stockport and to create a skills system that could address the challenges of a changing economic landscape. The aim of the Community Insight work stream was to understand the causes and impact of poverty, particularly in relation to employment, skills and education.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• Although one of the training workshops had focussed heavily on young people, others were attended by a variety of people, including people with disabilities and long term health problems.
• A Member requested details of the cost of the consultation workshops and the take-up. 
• In response to a Member’s question, the Scrutiny Committee was advised that Officers were currently working on a definition of poverty and information would be provided when this was available. In the absence of this, one of the national measures was currently being used.
• With regard to Priority 3 in the Work and Skills Action Plan, a Member enquired what the current pay levels for apprentices were.
• With regard to Priority 6 in the Work and Skills Action Plan, the Work and Skills Commission would advise on how to enable all in the community to be able to access work and skills advice and support that addressed their personal needs and situation.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted and the overall approach of the Work and Skills Commission and Community Insight work streams be supported.

(2) That the further background report on the Community Insight investigation be forwarded to all members of the Scrutiny Committee.

(3) That Members be provided with the definition of poverty used to calculate the families in Stockport living in poverty.