Issue - meetings

This item has been attached to a separate colour supplement.

The Chief Executive presented the performance report for the strategic purpose ‘help me run a successful business’.  A number of matters were raised for Members’ consideration during the presentation of this report:

·                The external auditors had confirmed that they were satisfied the Council had a much more robust framework in place, compared to previous years, for performance monitoring purposes.

·                There were three strategic measures for this strategic purpose.  Unfortunately the data for these measures was often not available until at least 12 months had passed and this needed to be addressed.

·                The average earnings for Redditch residents unfortunately continued to be lower than for residents living in other parts of Worcestershire, and was also lower than the national average.

·                The Council was working closely with HOW College and the Chief Executive and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development would be meeting with representatives of the college shortly.

Members discussed the report and there was general consensus that HOW College had an important role to play in the economic development of the Borough and this role could be developed further.  There was a need to support local businesses and to take action to ensure that average wages in Redditch increased.  Businesses located in the Eastern Gateway would potentially require more skilled staff which could have a positive impact on wage growth.

RESOLVED that

the report be noted.