Agenda item

Reports will be presented by Karen O'Keeffe (Head of Economic Development & Strategic Partnerships) and Graham Sutton (Economic Development Manager).

6.1  Karen O’Keeffe, Head of Economic Development & Strategic Partnerships and Graham Sutton, Economic Development Manager presented the strategy document. Officers  commented that many of the significant partners are not council providers. This strategy is a refresh, we are expanding on the key issues but the priorities remain the same. The draft plans are early documents.

6.2  The Chair commented that one of the roles that Scrutiny can do is monitor the deliver of plans by providers.

6.3  The Economic Development Manager said that one of the first things officers first did was check the baseline data. The economy has expanded rapidly: in 1998 – 2007 it increased 35%. The main reason is an increase in business services

6.4  The borough has over 50% of the population employed at higher levels as well as an increasing number of people employed at lower levels. The proportion of working age people claiming benefits is higher than the London average and increasing because of the economic situation. 43% of the population have a degree, which is higher that the London average. There is a persistent pool of NEETS (young people not in employment or education or training).

6.5  The priorities are to tackle barriers to work through working with business and employers; raise the skills of local people; support business across the Borough; support regeneration across the Borough and create an enterprise culture and increase business start ups.

6.6  A member commented on the economic polarisation in the Borough. Another member commented that people in his wards are losing jobs in the city; however most seem to be able to move onto new jobs or other types of employment fairly easily.

6.7  A member enquired how the cut in Working Neighbourhood Fund had affected Southwark. The officer responded that central government asked the Council to return around £700,000 of £7,000,000.

6.8  A member commented that it would seem sensible to get our business partners and voluntary partners involved. The officer agreed and commented that the Council has a small role in delivery compared to agencies like Job Centre Plus who have a budget of around £20, 000, 000, and we may be able to influence their priorities.

6.9  A member commented that there are some people with relatively simple needs to enable them to re-enter the job market, but other people have with complex issues and barriers. Can agencies like job centre plus work more with these clients as Working Neighbourhood Funding drops off?

6.10  A member noted that it would be good to analyse the effectiveness of the programme, for example can we measure the impact on places like Peckham? Can we focus on specific areas of the Borough and look at education and recruitment opportunities?

6.11  The officers commented that the Council does not have direct control over many of the partners. It is a very complex programme. Southwark Works sets out to simplify and unify this for people and also ensure that people can get help with intermediate issues such as housing or mental health issues.

6.12  A member noted that there are many people living in more affluent wards who are doing jobs that pay low wages and he would like to see an investment in education and training. The importance of children getting 5 A to C at GCSE was noted as well as the importance of encouraging city based employers to employ local people.

6.13  The Chair said that we need to do more to reduce inequalities between richer and poorer areas. He enquired if we are supporting business in Peckham, Camberwell and Walworth and said that he would like to see a focus on those areas which are not performing so well. He raised concerns that town centre management seems to be declining through a lack of business support services.

6.14  Members requested a focus on multiple deprivation factions and the economic drives’ across the Borough that will promote more equality. It is important that areas such as Camberwell, Peckham and Walworth move economically closer to areas such as Borough and Bankside.

6.15   A member noted that he would like to see a more focused strategy and that the present plan was too broad.

AGREED

Members recommended that officers note the comments made during the meeting and in particular focus the strategy more on the employment and enterprise needs of the most deprived areas in the Borough; with particular reference to Camberwell, Peckham and Walworth

They also noted that they would like the strategy to come back and would also invite delivery partners to attend to report on action and progress on the ground, with particular reference to outcomes (both achieved and anticipated) for Camberwell, Peckham and Walworth.