Agenda item

The Committee received a report, presented by the Leader of the Council (with responsibility for Regeneration), on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Carmarthenshire’s economy and businesses and identifying what was important in the short, medium and long term in order to provide the assistance they most required.  The report highlighted the measures undertaken by the Council in the initial emergency response together with the measures introduced/being introduced as part of the Council’s Recovery Strategy

The following issues were raised on the report:-

·       In response to a question on the Councils’ ‘Ten Towns’ initiative, it was confirmed consultations thereon would be commence shortly via  virtual digital platforms and the Council would be updated as the scheme progressed.

·       In response to a question on the promotion of Cyngor Sir Gar, it was confirmed that would be undertaken via a variety of media platforms in accordance with the Councils’ communications plan.

·       Reference was made to the financial costs of the pandemic for the authority and how that could impact on its capital programme. The Leader of the Council confirmed that whilst there would be an impact, the programme was currently being evaluated and re-prioritised with an emphasis on Economic Development and Recovery.

·       In response to a question on unemployment rates for the 50+ age group, the Committee was assured the Council’s recovery programmes would address job opportunities for all age groups.

·       Reference was made to the provision of new skills/upskilling, particularly with regard to digital skills for the older workforce and what measures were being introduced to cater for their need.

The Leader of the Council advised that one of the major themes of the Swansea Bay City Deal Programme was the Skills and Talent Initiative currently being developed, on which the Council was leading, with the ethos being on re-skilling and upskilling which would help improve workforce skills across the region. The City Bay Joint Committee had also recently signed off on the Council’s Pentre Awel Scheme for submission to the Welsh and U.K. Government for approval. If endorsed, that would create apprioximately 2,000 jobs over the next five years across all age groups in the city bay region. The Council’s Capital Programme also targeted job creation as a major theme.

The Head of Regeneration advised that the Skills and Talent Initiative recognised the need to address skills and training needs on a regional basis in partnerships, and the Council would be working with Coleg Sir Gar in that respect. Whilst it was appreciated people’s digital skills varied, the Council would also shortly be re-introducing employability staff within its hubs on Tuesdays and Thursdays to assist people, by appointment, to access digital information.

He further advised that ‘localism’ played a major role in assisting with economic recovery and the Council was examining its procurement processes to see how the local economy could best benefit in providing it with goods and services. It had been estimated that if the council increased its spend on local goods and services by 10% that would equate to £30m spend leading to an increase in local job opportunities

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.