Issue - meetings

The attached report (Annex A) was considered by the Economic Development Partnership Board on 20 June 2006 and is now brought to the Advisory Panel, together with additional information relating to the use of £2.63m Northern Way funds, to obtain endorsement for the Science City York action plan and to authorise the submission of proposals for the Northern Way funds on behalf of the Science City York partners.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Leader be advised to;

i)            Welcome the major commitment to expanding the York Science City concepts contained in the report and ask officers to consider further whether, in the light of possible reductions in job opportunities in some other employment sectors in the City, the alignment of reskilling programmes for the indigenous workforce continues to reflect the process for modernising York’s economy.

ii)            Support and endorse the actions being taken.

iii)        Give authorisation for the submission of the Northern Way proposals on behalf of the Science City York partnership.

iv)        Await a further report on the stakeholder discussions.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:      To ensure that SCY delivers and addresses both Council and Local Strategic partnership objectives.

The attached report (Annex A) was considered by the Economic Development Partnership Board on 20 June 2006 and was brought to the Advisory Panel, together with additional information relating to the use of £2.63m Northern Way funds, to obtain endorsement for the Science City York action plan and to authorise the submission of proposals for the Northern Way funds on behalf of the Science City York partners.

Officers updated that progress was being made on the Northern Way Funding. Discussions were being held with the University about their involvement in Science City York, and Officers were liaising with Yorkshire Forward and Northern Way on this.

The following was discussed:

·        Members were supportive of the initiative and the economic benefits and employment opportunities it would bring to the city.

·        Jobs created by Science City would provide opportunities to workers from declining industries. It should be ensured that new jobs were aimed at a similar skills level as those who were loosing jobs through declining industry.

·        It was important to support new business to provided sustainable long term employment prospects.

·        The Science City initiative was to expand into North Yorkshire and Leeds.

Members noted that this was Tony Bennett’s (Assistant Director, Economic Development Unit, City Strategy) last meeting. Peter Johnson would take over as Acting Assistant Director until the position was filled permanently. Members thanked Tony Bennett for his hard work over his 31 years at the Council.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Leader be advised to;

i)            Welcome the major commitment to expanding the York Science City concepts contained in the report and ask officers to consider further whether, in the light of possible reductions in job opportunities in some other employment sectors in the City, the alignment of reskilling programmes for the indigenous workforce continues to reflect the process for modernising York’s economy.

ii)            Support and endorse the actions being taken.

iii)        Give authorisation for the submission of the Northern Way proposals on behalf of the Science City York partnership.

iv)        Await a further report on the stakeholder discussions.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:      To ensure that SCY delivers and addresses both Council and Local Strategic partnership objectives.