Agenda item

Shabnam Ali, Economic Development Policy Officer, introduced an update  report regarding the effect of the economic downturn in Slough which had been requested by the Committee at its meeting on 7^th June, 2011.  Members  noted the position regarding unemployment support, the statistics on qualifications and activity on the area of new business.  The Officer also discussed the position regarding the Slough property market and the establishment of the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.  The Committee noted that a draft economic development plan was in place, informed by the local economic assessment and the plan would be finalised soon and distributed to partners.

Members raised a number of comments and questions in the ensuing debate including the concern that there was a lack of training for middle aged jobless individuals also the number of unemployed in the under 25 age group was of concern.  The Chief Executive advised that Slough still had a strong economy and the Council was providing support and improving partnership arrangements to encourage local businesses to employ people from the Slough area.  It was accepted that the current circumstances were challenging but short, medium and long term plans were in place to address issues.  It was confirmed that Slough’s unemployment rate was usually higher than other Berkshire authorities but this was even more the case with the under 25 age group.  The Committee was advised that whenever a company reduced the numbers in its workforce the Council could act as a broker between companies to assist with the transfer of jobs from one company to another.

Resolved – That the report be noted and that an update be provided in June   2012.