The Trade Centre Scrutiny Review has been referred to Cabinet by the Economy and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Attached are the minute, report and Scrutiny Review.

Cabinet received the Scrutiny Review of Preparations for the International Trade Centre in Wirral; prepared by the Trade Centre Scrutiny Panel, which had been referred by the Economy and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 14 November, 2012 (minute 33 refers).

Councillor Hackett thanked the Scrutiny Review Panel for an excellent piece of scrutiny work which contained a number of innovative ideas and Councillor Phil Davies concurred with these comments.

Resolved -

(1)  That the contents and recommendations of the Trade Centre Scrutiny Panel be agreed.

(2)  That the thanks of Cabinet be accorded to the Members of the Scrutiny Panel for the significant work undertaken in the review of preparations for the International Trade Centre and also to Mr A Veitch, Scrutiny Support Officer.

The Chair presented the Scrutiny Review of Preparations for the International Trade Centre in Wirral, which had been prepared by the Trade Centre Scrutiny Panel, following a Notice of Motion accepted by the Council (minute 154 (16 April 2012) refers).

The Panel comprised Councillors Mark Johnston (Chair), Andrew Hodson and Jean Stapleton and was supported by a Scrutiny Support Officer, Alan Veitch. The Scope of the Review was agreed at the last meeting of the Committee (minute 19 (5 September 2012) refers) and the Chair commented upon the evidence gathering, which had informed the Final Report. The document contained 19 recommendations and he requested the Committee to support the document being referred to the next appropriate meeting of the Cabinet.

Members commented specifically upon the significant work being undertaken with schools in relation to foreign language learning as a skill for future job seekers and also, the need for planning to take place regarding the requirements of children moving to Wirral from overseas as result of the Trade Centre opening. In response to further comments from Members with regard to the support packages to be put in place for companies and employees relocating from overseas to Wirral, the Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning reported that the increased business rates that would be available to the Council as a result of the Enterprise Zone status could be used to support and facilitate the work of the support team.

Resolved –

(1)  That the contents and recommendations of the Trade Centre Scrutiny Review be supported.

(2)  That the Trade Centre Scrutiny Report be referred to the next appropriate meeting of the Cabinet.

(3)  That further reports be presented to the Economy and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee to update members regarding the progress being made towards the implementation of the recommendations.

(4)  That the thanks of the Committee be accorded to the Members of the Scrutiny Panel for the significant work undertaken in the review of preparations for the International Trade Centre and also to Mr A Veitch, Scrutiny Support Officer.