Agenda item

Agenda item

Manchester and Greater Manchester Local Industrial Strategies

The report of Deputy Chief Executive is enclosed.

Minutes:

The Board received a report from the Deputy Chief Executive which provided an update on the development of the Manchester and Greater Manchester Local Industrial Strategy and the respective engagement approaches. The Strategies support the delivery of the Our Manchester Strategy and the Greater Manchester Strategy by setting out priorities to deliver a more inclusive city and city region. To support the report, the Board received a presentation “Developing Manchester’s Industrial Strategy”.

 

The Chair invited questions and comments on the Strategy.

 

A member referred to the research to be commissioned relating to a Low Productivity Review and made the point that rather than taking the view of this area in a productivity sense could focus be given to developing existing foundational economies and industries as areas of growth and as a benefit in and of themselves. The presenting officer was asked what views they have on this suggestion and where that focus may lead the review.

 

A member commented that it was important for the strategy to recognise the work within the childcare and young people sector and the importance of enabling those involved to develop their skills and develop the value of their work.

 

The Chair referred to the Greater Manchester Independent Prosperity Review and the range of experience of the panel members involved. The Chair stated that evidence suggests that much of the employment created over the past decade is insecure, part-time work. This situation presents an area of challenge within the foundation economy in work sectors such as social care to improve wage levels, conditions of service and productivity factors. The Chair stated that the Greater Manchester Local Industrial Strategy is an agreement with the Government, however the delivery of the strategy would be hindered due to a dysfunctional national educational skills system that will require further negotiation with the Government. The Chair suggested that it was likely that other issues would be raised from the evidence produced by the review which will not form part of the agreed local industrial strategy. As a result, the Local Industrial Strategy was unlikely to form the economic development policy at a local level or GM level and further challenges would be presented outside of this.

 

A member questioned what the strategy will mean for people living within Manchester

 

In response to the points raised it was reported that there are challenges within the sectors and occupations referred to and it was recognised that there were fewer mechanisms to build upon social value work in those areas. It was reported that the Council is supporting the GM Good Employment Charter and an Ethical Care Charter had helped to take this work forward. Work on social care was currently underway involving external partners which has focussed on the wider benefits as well as productivity. It was reported that the strategy was ongoing and would reflect the responses on productivity sectors and foundation economies and will recognise many areas of work across the city. It was reported that the communications team is involved in the process to present key messages in a meaningful way to engage with residents to improve access to good quality employment.

 

In noting the comments made the Chair commented that following a science technology audit it was noted that Greater Manchester is globally competitive in the sector of health innovation. The Chair made reference to a review carried out on the state of the city which had identified low economic activity rates within the over 50s age group, which was broadly representative of Greater Manchester. He reported that work was ongoing to take forward the “Working Well” and the “Employment” Programmes on a wider scale andachieving this through the GM Strategy would provide real value.

 

Decision

 

To note the report submitted and the comments and suggestions received.

Supporting documents: