Agenda 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 Recovery & Future Generations Policy Development Committee held on the 15 December 2020 be approved and signed as a correct record.

The Leader / Cabinet Member for Economy, Finance & Strategy provided an update on the Covid-19 pandemic response and recovery of the City.

The Leader reported a sustained fall in infections numbers as well as rapid progression of the Vaccination programme with all GP surgeries and Mass Vaccination Centres up and running. Mobile units were due to be starting shortly.

In terms of Recovery, the Leader highlighted 3 Key headlines for consideration: 

1.          Services that have been reshaped during the pandemic - which changes could be suitable and successful long term

2.          Changes to the ways of working, specifically with other Local Authorities and Third Party Partners – e.g. use of remote meetings

3.          What the Council can do to support business and communities following Covid-19 – placing the residents of Swansea and Swansea’s economy at the forefront of what we do

The upcoming Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill would provide the general power of competence, allowing Local Authorities’ in Wales more opportunities to provide different services different. Consideration should be given to the effect of that Bill and whether there were any services which the Council could be well placed to run or have more involvement in running – e.g. transport

An Independent report showed that Swansea was designated to lead Wales’ jobs recovery this year with a projected growth of 8.1%. It was essential to keep moving forward with development and creation of jobs to ensure the opportunities and jobs are available for Swansea. It was expected that several new jobs would be created over the next year or so in Swansea.

Questions and discussions focussed on the following:

·            Impact on university student numbers – growth was still expected but possibly at a lower rate

·            Digitalisation – possible impacts on jobs and different ways of working

·            Development of tourism industry – importance of enhancing and making the most of the tourism industry as part of the recovery from Covid-19

·            Impact of Debenhams closure for Swansea and nationwide – clear messaging on nationwide decision, not Swansea alone

·            Ways to attract big name stores to Swansea – confidence in the City and increased footfall 

·            Work of Staff during the Pandemic – commitment and flexibility of staff to maintain services and diversify to provide new services

·            Improved offer of transportation required – consider all possible transport schemes e.g. car share, electric bike

·            Impacts of Brexit on tourism – loss of funding for Digital Aquarium and other funding options available e.g. Shared Prosperity Fund

·            Impact of Brexit on attracting international students with no longer being part of the ERASMUS Scheme

·            Regeneration of High Street

The Chair thanked the Leader

Resolved that the update be noted.

The Chair presented the Workplan 2020/21 and noted that a workshop would be arranged prior to the next Committee meeting in February.

Adam Hill was scheduled to attend the Committee in March to provide an update on the Recovery Plan. 

Resolved that the Workplan 2020/21 be updated accordingly.