Hampshire County Council Cabinet Sub-Committee on Economic Growth and Recovery Meeting

There were no apologies.

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code.  Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 October 2019 were agreed as a correct record.

There were no deputations.

The Chairman noted that the annual meeting had been originally scheduled for autumn 2020 but had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Sub-Committee considered the report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment with the annual economic development report for 2020/21.

The report was presented by Richard Kenny, the Interim Assistant Director for Economic Development. The report outlined the considerable uncertainties arising throughout the year that had undermined the performance of the economy. This focussed on the economic impact of the pandemic on Hampshire and also the effects of the Brexit transition. Key successes and achievements for the service were set out, despite the challenging conditions, as were the forward pathways in terms of how Hampshire can best adapt and prosper into the future, out of response to the pandemic and into economic recovery.

Members noted the £410million in local authority distributed business grants that had been awarded towards supporting the economy across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The Sub-Committee also discussed the general recovery across the South East, noting the significant initial impact on the economy in previous recessions but the strong recovery thereafter. Specifically, the Sub-Committee noted and supported the pending planning application for the runway extension at Southampton Airport in the context of the importance of maintaining regional air travel and the long term viability for the site.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Advisory Sub-Committee on Economic Growth and Recovery notes the report.

The Sub-Committee received the presentation of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment with an overview of the emergent response to the challenges of economic recovery moving forwards for Hampshire.

This set out the national and county-wide position. It showed the impact of the pandemic and the scale and scope of both the national and local responses to support people and businesses. It also highlighted Hampshire’s key economic sectors and key strategic assets and their prospects for recovery. It provided an outline of the devastating consequences in relation to business activities, particularly in certain key sectors, and in terms of skills, training and education. Also raised, was the continuing risks of rising unemployment as well as some of the accelerated trends emerging from the lockdowns, relating to green, digital and automation, as well as trends associated with working from home and growth in on-line commerce.

Members discussed small business start-ups and the support for these within Hampshire. It was noted that the County Council had been working with the University of Southampton on The Catalyst Programme to support new, small businesses and also continuing the partnership working with Local Enterprise Partnerships to ensure a coordinated approach to business support across the county.

The Sub-Committee discussed the important work being conducted by Hampshire colleges and universities in terms of how crucial it would be, looking to the future of Hampshire’s economy, to ensure that training was available to develop skills for the future. Members noted that, going forward, organisations would be seeking particular skill sets and that developing these would be important in securing opportunities for economic growth across the region. It was also noted that the ‘Green Recovery’ work commissioned from the New Economics Foundation would have a strong skills emphasis.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Advisory Sub-Committee on Economic Growth and Recovery notes the presentation.