Agenda item

Officer: Emma Lindsell

Key decision: no

The Leader of the Council delegated to the Cabinet the power to make the decisions set out below

RESOLVED to

1.            Endorse the themes and priorities of the Economic Growth Strategy for Croydon as set out below; and

2.            Agree the themes and priorities be used as the basis of consultation with stakeholders and partners following which the final strategy will be prepared and submitted to Cabinet for agreement.

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Jobs informed Cabinet that a consultation with stakeholders would be undertaken to ensure a meaningful Economic Growth Strategy was written which would enable the Croydon of the future to be developed. It was the ambition of the Cabinet Member to work with all Cabinet Members and parties.

A presentation was given by the Cabinet Member which highlighted the achievements of recent years; including BoxPark opening which had reinvigorated the approach to East Croydon, over 60 events had taken place in 2018, and over 700 people had been supported into work by Croydon Works.

A strong Strategy was necessary as it was an ambition for Croydon to be a strong economic entity in its own right with businesses paying the London Living Wage and for residents to develop the necessary skills for work. It was stated that it was important to create spaces that businesses and people wanted to be in, including good schools, cultural events and excellent public realm.

Whilst work was ongoing to create Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across the district centres to support local business, Croydon was also working internationally with delegates visiting from China and India to see the work going on in the borough.

A high priority remained to attract the right university to the borough as it was recognised that it was important to ensure there was a higher education presence in Croydon. Additionally, it was noted that it was important to ensure residents had the right skills so both residents and businesses were realising the benefits of the support available. It was noted that Croydon Works had successfully supported residents and businesses. The award winning Apprenticeship scheme was also highlighted as helping residents gain the right skills and experience, whilst also gaining high level qualifications.

Questions were asked as to how the consultation would be undertaken and the Cabinet Member stated that consultation would be undertaken through the Future Place Board, the business network and the three BIDs. Additionally, the consultation would be promoted through social media and the Federation of Small Businesses had also expressed an interest in hosting an event with the council on the consultation. The Cabinet Member further stated that ward councillors knew their wards best, and as such suggested councillor’s work together to engage with businesses. The Leader noted that the suggestion the council write to all the businesses would be costly and it was effective for councillors to engage with businesses.

Members thanked the Cabinet Member and officers for the report and noted that local residents in New Addington welcomed the training scheme to support residents to gain the skills to enter the construction industry, so much so that there was a waiting list to join the scheme. Furthermore, Members were pleased to note there was a commitment in the paper to support social enterprise.

The Leader of the Council delegated to the Cabinet the power to make the decisions set out below

RESOLVED to

1.               Endorse the themes and priorities of the Economic Growth Strategy for Croydon as set out below; and

2.               Agree the themes and priorities be used as the basis of consultation with stakeholders and partners following which the final strategy will be prepared and submitted to Cabinet for agreement.