Further to minute 484 (23 April 2009), the Deputy Chief Executive / Director of Corporate Services provided an update on the impact of the current recession on Wirral’s economy. The report summarised some key indicators and gave details of the co-ordinated and coherent response to the economic situation. This included some positive business developments, the launch of a new online network for local based businesses by Invest Wirral and the funding of 100 apprenticeship places on a minimum 2 year contract.

The Leader of the Council requested the officers update the Cabinet on the latest situation regarding Vauxhall Motors, Ellesmere Port.

The Chief Executive reported that having written to the Government, at the request of the Council in February, he had last week received a letter from Ian Pearson MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, in which reference was made to the success with Jaguar Land Rover but no mention was made of Vauxhall Motors. He would write again requesting a response specifically on Vauxhall Motors and General Motors Europe.

The Deputy Chief Executive / Director of Corporate Services advised the Cabinet that he had had a number of discussions with his opposite number at Cheshire West and Chester Council, as both councils recognised the vital shared interest in supporting Vauxhall Motors.

Resolved –

(1) That the Council re-affirms its commitment to Vauxhall Motors and the Chief Executive write to Ian Pearson MP requesting a response on what specific commitment the Government is making to GM Europe and Vauxhall in particular.

(2) That this Council maintains pressure on the Government to secure the future of Vauxhall Motors at Ellesmere Port by lobbying in a co-ordinated manner with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

(3) That the contents of the report be noted.