Meeting documents

To sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2018.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2018 were agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive a presentation from Ian Barham of the Local Economic Partnership (LEP) on the development of the Local Industrial Strategy.

Members received a presentation from the Partnership Manager for the Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP), Ian Barham, on the development of the Local Industrial Strategy for Buckinghamshire. The following key points were highlighted:

·         Buckinghamshire is one of the first areas to be developing a Local Industrial Strategy.

·         The BTVLEP’s vision for the Local Industrial Strategy was to build on the strengths of Buckinghamshire’s internationally recognised brands including Pinewood, Silverstone and Westcott through greater collaboration between business, society, the research community, local and central government to achieve long-term growth.

·         It was noted that Bucks had a dynamic micro economy but a low share of mid-sized growth businesses. Further, Bucks was said to have a highly productive economy and a highly skilled workforce, but faced the challenge of retaining young talent.

·         Copies of the draft consultation document on the Local Industrial Strategy consultation draft were circulated to the Committee during the meeting.

·         The LEP were looking to encourage better links between local businesses and universities to combat low levels of business innovation.

·         The level of business start-ups was higher than the national average, and the success rate high, however data indicated that scaling up had proved a challenge.

·         An important focus was digital connectivity, as connectivity in Bucks was the poorest in the growth corridor, with 1 in 10 areas unable to access superfast broadband.

A Member asked how the LEP interacted with local government and local representatives, and were informed that a steering group including local groups and businesses informed the work of the LEP, and that the LEP encouraged and were seeking as much interaction with local communities as possible. Information about the work of the LEP was published on social media, the website and through press releases. The Partnership Manager welcomed partnership working with local Members so that information could be cascaded further within local communities.

It was noted that housing affordability was a challenge, and one of the constraints on economic growth in the area.  A Member asked as to whether the work of the LEP helped to inform government policy, and it was noted the strategy was co-developed by the LEP and central government.

A further question was raised regarding employment levels and how, although the County has low levels of unemployment, employment levels can be improved, particularly given increasing automation. Members were advised that one approach to this could be to support small businesses create bigger networks to encourage scaling up. Further, giving support to the businesses that support Buckinghamshire’s assets that are nationally or internationally significant, for instance, Pinewood Studios.

Members were encouraged to provide feedback on the consultation document.

Thanks were expressed to Ian Barham for his presentation on the emerging Local Industrial Strategy.

E Culverhouse entered the meeting 18:44.

RESOLVED:

That the 28 Day Notices be noted.

Members were asked to agree a community grant award of £20,200 per annum for a three year period, subject to a signed service level agreement with Chilterns Dial a Ride to provide transportation for vulnerable persons. A case study was at Appendix 1 to the report.

A Member enquired as to whether an award could be granted for a 3 year period given that a new unitary authority would come into being in April 2020. It was advised that the award would indicate to Members of the new authority the importance of this local service. Further, that the service would have been operating for at least a year and a half before the new authority had to make a decision as to whether the service should continue to be provided.

Members were asked to agree continued funding of £15,270 to Buckinghamshire County Council to provide the voluntary sector infrastructure support contract within the Chiltern District and wider Buckinghamshire area. The contract was currently delivered by Community Impact Bucks (CIB). The CIB End of Year Impact Report was at Appendix 1 to the report.

Members were informed that the funding supported services across all Buckinghamshire districts.