In view of Tony Williams, Head of Human Resources, being delayed at another meeting, the Chair agreed to take this item on the agenda next, before the Absence Management item.

Alan Evans, Assistant Director: Regeneration and Inward Investment introduced a report which provided the 2018/19 Quarter 3 (October - December 2019) performance report for Wirral Plan pledges under the Business theme. The Quarter 3 report was included as Appendix 1 to the report, and provided a description of the progress in Quarter 3, including available data in relation to a range of outcome indicators and supporting measures.

Responding to comments from Members, Alan Evans, stated that with regard to the road network deteriorating over the last 12 months and whether this was any more than usual and also if the additional funds for works on addressing the deterioration would mean the roads would be in a better condition than otherwise, he would need to ask Mark Smith, Interim Director Highways and Streetscene to respond to this in writing. With regard to Imagine Wirral and the Borough of Culture and creative and business development, Alan Evans commented that one of the key economic development projects was to turn the Treasury Building into a creative and digital business space and work on this had progressed and a lease agreement was due to be signed with the business which would occupy the building.

A Member referred to the good news with regard to the reduction in the indicator for those seriously injured or killed in road traffic accidents but expressed concern that no Cabinet Member or officer from highways was present to update the Committee.

In respect of the indicator on the skills gap and the reduction to 11%, Alan Evans responded to Members’ comments and informed the Committee of the work undertaken with the Wirral Chamber of Commerce and with education bodies. Although Wirral was a net exporter of labour to Liverpool and the wider city region, the aim was to retain as many local knowledge based jobs as possible. He acknowledged that the Employer Skills Survey was a national survey and of the need to supplement this with the Chamber’s own sector based surveys.

The Chair referred to the importance of ‘skilling’ up the local workforce particularly with potential large redevelopment schemes coming up as a result of the Muse / Wirral Growth Company projects.

Alan Evans responding to further comments referred to the GVA (Gross Value Added) which, although in Wirral was one of the lowest, had over the last five years shown some of the highest rises. He agreed the need to provide support to grow businesses and with regard to New Ferry and the £1.3m to be invested, this would comprise land assembly and a mixed use development of residential and businesses.

Resolved – That the report be noted.