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 and Infrastructure Policy Development Committee held on 16 September, 2021, be signed and approved as a correct record.

The External Funding Officer presented an information report detailing key employability, skills and training programmes being delivered by Swansea Council.  The report summarised the achievements to date and highlighted opportunities and challenges going forward that should be taken into consideration in the development and securing of funding for successor projects, post-EU funding.

Members’ noted the background and context, current economic and employability projects (detailed in Appendix A) issues and outputs and opportunities and challenges.

In response to Members’ questions, Officers stated that:

1)    £2.5m a year is received through grant funding which is used for project staffing and qualifications.

2)    Whilst there is merit in forward planning in order to develop a policy prior to funding concluding, future grant funding is unknown.  Working groups could take place mid 2022 to determine a way forward.  However, given the Local Government elections in May 2022, determination of this topic would need to be considered by the PDC post May 2022.

3)    Skills planning gained from labour market intelligence form the basis for a robust skill plan.  The City Deal Talent RLSP Board co-ordinates the information and assesses the requirements for the region.

4)    Progress has been made with schools and post 16 educational establishments in order to address the identified skills shortages.

The Chair thanked the Officers for their informative presentation.

Resolved that:

1)    A joint meeting be convened between Economy, Environment and Infrastructure PDC and Education PDC to explore the work being undertaken in respect of skills shortages and the schools and post 16 educational establishments response. 

The Chair thanked the Officers for their informative report.

Resolved that the report be noted.

The Chair presented the work plan 2020 – 2022.

Members’ discussed topics for discussion at future meetings.

Resolved that:

1)    The Green and Grey Fleet item be renamed ‘Ultra Low Emission Vehicle strategy’.