Agenda item

(Lead Member: The Mayor, Director: Liz Hunter)

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    Notes the update on COVID-19 support in West Yorkshire.

b)    Comments on the refreshed draft of the West Yorkshire Economic Recovery Plan and commits to review further at future meetings as the economy develops.

Members agreed to discuss item 6 prior to item 5, to accommodate Sir Roger Marsh having to leave the meeting early.

The Combined Authority received an update on developments around the Covid-19 crisis, and were requested to provide views and comments on the latest draft of the West Yorkshire Economic Recovery Plan.

The refreshed draft Economic Recovery Plan focused on delivering a fair, just, and lasting recovery across the region in response to the effects of the pandemic on the economy. It was noted that this refresh of the Plan marked a transitional moment as the region moved out of lockdown restrictions/furlough and away from a ‘rescue’ phase into one more focused on rebuilding the economy for all communities in the region, with a central focus on inclusive growth and tackling the climate emergency. The Plan also included new action areas linked to delivery of the Mayor’s campaign pledge, as well as a targeted focus on areas for government co-investment opportunities, and linked in to local recovery plans to build a comprehensive picture for West Yorkshire. Officers across the region who had contributed to this were thanked for their hard work.

The uncertainties inherent to this planning were noted, and a clearer picture would be gained after the Comprehensive Spending Review and once further details had been released regarding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The effects of the Plan would be monitored through existing economic reporting measures, particularly in regard to how the economy developed over the coming months, with factors that could affect the recovery highlighted in forecasting.

The focus on inclusive growth was welcomed by Members, as were the place-based initiatives spread throughout the districts. Members praised the high level of engagement with young members of BAME communities and people with disabilities but questioned why, after engagement, only 59% of the target amount had been successfully supported in moving into employment or education/training, and what could be done to improve this? Officers advised that many of the participants in the programme had been unemployed for more than six months and significant challenges existed in moving them into work and training, but they would examine external benchmarks to determine if approximately 60% was a good outcome for this or if a higher target should be set, and this would be reported on at the next meeting.

Members also questioned how the Combined Authority was supporting the Mayor’s pledge for 1000 well-paid jobs internally, whether that be through creating apprenticeships, graduate schemes, or similar programmes. It was noted that there were currently 19 apprenticeships underway with the Combined Authority, with a further six planned. Recruiting efforts were also planned to attract a more diverse workforce, particularly from the BAME community.

It was noted that although £1.4 billion had originally been requested in government funding to support the Plan, no funding had been received for this. The need for government investment was emphasised, particularly in light of the region having been particularly badly impacted by the pandemic in comparison to other regions of the country.

In consideration of the above-mentioned move between phases from recovery to rebuilding, Members suggested renaming the Plan to the Economic Growth Plan, to present a more forward-looking and positive picture. However, it was noted that some sections of society were still struggling to move out of the effects of the pandemic and needed further support to recover, and it was important not to lose sight of this.

Members discussed the [re]boot programme, noting that there had been little traction in Kirklees to date and that a more expanded programme was needed. Officers advised that the programme was being replaced by a gainshare-funded equivalent that would allow greater flexibility of the qualifications that can be supported and would therefore be able to better meet employer needs. More detail on this could be shared after the meeting.

Members were invited to share any further comments on the revised draft of the Plan after the meeting.

Cllr Golton joined the meeting, and Sir Roger Marsh had to leave due to a schedule conflict.

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

a)    Notes the update on COVID-19 support in West Yorkshire.

b)    Comments on the refreshed draft of the West Yorkshire Economic Recovery Plan and commits to review further at future meetings as the economy develops.