Agenda item

To receive the reports of the Head of governance and Scrutiny Support and Director of City Development. The reports support the presentation of information for the second session of the Scrutiny Boards inquiry into the implementation of Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy.

The report of the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support provided information to the Board to support the second session of the inquiry into the implementation of the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy which would cover the following:.

·  The external perspective and evaluative views on the progress towards developing the approach to Inclusive Growth in Leeds covering the ‘More Jobs, Better Jobs’ Partnership Research Programme, the work with Core Cities, through to the current strategy in the context of local and national policy and any additional actions at a local level to remove the barriers that prevent residents from experiencing the benefit of economic growth.

·  The Anchors Programme as a mechanisms for large organisations in Leeds to demonstrate their commitment to and take practical steps to contribute to the achievement of the Leeds Inclusive Growth objectives to support growth that benefits all

The following information was appended to the report:

·  Inclusive Growth and the More Jobs, Better Jobs Partnership – Joseph Rowntree Foundation

·  Report of the Chief Officer, Employment and Skills – Supporting Local Anchor Institutions to Contribute to Local Growth

·  Toolkit  -Harnessing the power of Anchor Institutions – a Progressive Framework

The following were in attendance for this item:

·  Mike Hawking – Policy and Research Manager, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

·  James Goodyear – Associate Director of Policy and Partnerships at LTHT

·  Sue Wynne – Chief Officer, Employment and Skills

·  Cllr Jonathan Pryor

Mike Hawking gave the Board a presentation on the More Jobs, Better Jobs Programme.  Key Issues highlighted included the following:

-  Poverty and reducing poverty. Putting poverty reduction at the centre of decision making.

-  Definition and interpretation of Inclusive Growth.

-  More Jobs, Better Jobs Programme – partnership working; co-commissioned projects with other organisations including Leeds City Council.

-  The role of SME’s and co-operatives to generate local employment opportunities.

-  Next steps and focus – Implementation of the Inclusive Growth Strategy; the 12 Big Ideas and reducing the tensions between them; Universal Credit roll out; Local Industry Strategy; Shared Prosperity Fund.

In response to comments and questions from the Board, the following was discussed:

·  Connectivity to employment and training and whether there should be a priority in improving this before investing in other projects.  It was acknowledged that there were problems with connectivity and it was important that this was addressed when planning.  Reference was made to the need for sustainable development and how it contributed to inclusive growth.

·  The importance of partners and other organisations contribution to the Inclusive Growth Strategy.

·  HS2 – Employment opportunities and associated economic growth connected to this.

·  How to encourage the creation of better jobs, including opportunities outside the centre of Leeds – development of social value policy and use of procurement to assist this alongside other business support.

·  The influence of procurement and planning systems to influence the pay policies of contractors and providers. It was explained that the council could be influential in positive change but could not impose a system beyond that required by statute.

·  Centre for Local Economic Studies (CLES)  for the analysis of our LCC procurement expenditure and supply chains. The Board requested this information once it has been produced.

·  Getting young people into industries which have proved to be less popular.  Reference was made to the recent Manufacturing Festival and how opportunities had been highlighted to young people.

·  Working with younger children in schools to prepare them for future careers and encouraging employers to work with schools.

·  Employment conditions in relation to contracts awarded by the Council and scope for negotiation with employers.

·  Assisting people to progress in work/earning to tackle poverty.

Sue Wynne gave the board a summary of the ‘Supporting Local Anchor Institutions to Contribute to Local Growth’ report.  Key issues highlighted included the following:

·  What an Anchor Institution is and their importance and role in the local economy.

·  Anchor institutions in Leeds included the Health Trusts, Universities, Further Education Colleges and the City Council.

·  Work carried out across the Anchor Institutions that could contribute to the Inclusive Growth Strategy and towards better and improved jobs.

·  Procurement both within the Council and Anchor Institutions and how could this be used for better and improved jobs.

James Goodyear gave the Board a presentation regarding the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust as an Anchor Institution.  Issues highlighted included the following:

·  Leeds Teaching Hospitals role in the economy

·  Social determinants of health and how they link into the Inclusive Growth Strategy – impacts of social deprivation on health

·  Alignment of strategies with partners across the City.

·  Employment within the Trust – The Trust was to become a National Living Wage Employer; staff development; outreach work with schools.

·  Procurement, Buildings and Capital Developments – how the Trust is involved with the local economy.

In response to questions the following was discussed:

·  Access to healthcare and its relation to education and employment.

·  Skill shortages and concern regarding the reduction in recruitment for nurses – alternative routes including the Nurse Apprenticeship and development of the Health and Care Academy would be used for the ever growing need for more nurses.

·  Capital development, service delivery in priority neighbourhoods and plans for the Leeds Children’s Hospital – potential for local employment during construction and the attractiveness of a new hospital to attract new staff.

RESOLVED – That the Scrutiny Board

a)  Note the information contained within the reports presented, and provided at the meeting be noted.

b)  Receive the Centre for Local Economic Studies (CLES) report at a future session of the inquiry.