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Current Issues
The Government has recently announced a major review of economic development. This could potentially have a major impact on how we support industry. The committee is working to advise our Executive on the implications of the review.
Recent months have seen fluctuations in the level of unemployment across the region. This is a major concern to the committee and one that we will be keeping a close eye on for the foreseeable future. Many jobs have been lost in the manufacturing sector over the last two years or so and the recent sale of two major car marques has focused the committees attention on the need to monitor the future of this sector.
The committee is concerned at the gap in achievement and quality of life that exists between the north and the south of the county. At its June 2008 meeting the committee considered this matter at length and recognised that the causes of this issue are wider than its remit.
The committee also plans to look at employment and skills, the work of the Education Business Partnership, the development of a medi-park at Ansty and the on-going need for efficiency savings.
Most recently, the committee held its meeting in Nuneaton to receive an update on progress with the regneration of Camp Hill.
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What has Scrutiny Achieved (In 20007/08)
Over recent months the committee has explored and advised on a series of different issues. The government's review of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy has indicated that between now and 2026 anything up to 67,500 dwellings should be built in Warwickshire. The committee has lobbied for this number to be significantly reduced.
The closure of the Peugeot car plant towards the end of 2006 was indicative of the way in which manufacturing in the West Midlands is changing. The committee has sought to establish ways in which the impact of any further factory closures can be reduced whilst at the same time seeking to identify new forms of employment that can be established in the region. Although the Peugeot site is now being redeveloped the committee is closley monitoring the impact that this has on the area.
In addition to the above the committee has,
- considered the Council's Skills Strategy,
- debated uptake of space at the Eliot Park Innovation Centre (EPIC)
- Explored the future of the Local Authority Business Growth Initiative (LABGI)
- considered reports on efficiency savings and performance
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E-mail: scrutiny@warwickshire.gov.uk |