Agenda, decisions and minutes

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In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

Resolved that the Minutes of the Economy, Environment & Infrastructure Policy Development Committee held on 15 July 2021, be approved as a correct record.

Queries were raised in relation to the Bio-diversity on-line survey and traffic calming.  The Director of Place suggested that the matter be raised as part of the work plan 2020 – 2022.

The Director of Place presented an update of the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent business case (attached as Appendix 1 of the report) recently approved by Cabinet and to explore how this may fit in with a future PDC agenda item of developing local skills.

Members’ noted the background and context, the business plan for the skills and talent programme, funding, delivery of the phases (including the gap analysis and whether the Council is required to make further interventions), challenges faced in respect of skills gaps, the aim of the programme and the financial impact.

Members’ discussed:

1)    Developing local skills and recruitment and how the Council can develop its policies to assist in that regard. 

2)    The role of schools in aligning the school aged curriculum to what is required post 16 years in order to address the massive skills shortages.

3)    Costs of consultants fees and the need to ensure the majority of funding is channelled into training opportunities.

The Chair thanked the Director of Place for the informative report.

Resolved that:

1)    The Director of Place present further, detailed reports, addressing local skills and recruitment, including areas of Council intervention and the role of education developing a curriculum which addresses the issues with skills shortages post 16 years.  These reports are to be considered at the meeting of the Committee on 21 October, 2021.

The Democratic Services Officer presented the work plan 2020 – 2022.

Queries were raised regarding the timetabling of further reports in respect of the Swansea Bay City Deal (Skills & Business Case); an update in respect f the Bio-diversity online survey and traffic calming.  It was suggested that a separate meeting be scheduled to re-priorities work plan items.

Resolved that:

1)    The Democratic Services Officer organise a work plan meeting involving the Chair, Vice Chair, and Director of Place.