Agenda item

To submit the report of the Cabinet Member for Economy and Community.

To adopt 'Gwynedd 2035: An Economy that Works for All' as an economic development strategy for Gwynedd.

The report was submitted by the Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, noting that the strategy had been developed as the Cabinet had identified a gap of not having one single document that identified the wishes of the county's residents for the economy and to set a direction for developing the economy. It was reiterated that funding for economic development was increasingly uncertain and that the Welsh Government's emphasis had been on regional collaboration, and that investment had been seen across north Wales but no corresponding plans for Gwynedd. It was noted that there was ongoing uncertainty about the global economy and there was a tempestuous atmosphere especially in Wales.

It was highlighted that there were positive and strong aspects to Gwynedd's economy such as potential within existing enterprises, low unemployment and high levels of workforce qualifications. It was expressed that the purpose of the strategy was to identify where there was room for improvement, highlighting areas such as fewer working-age people working, low wages, too much part-time and seasonal work and a lack of diversity of industries.

It was detailed that the process of developing the strategy had been quantitative and involved significant desktop research with input from a range of stakeholders from the private, public and third sectors. It was highlighted that input had been received from Councillors through the Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee.

The desire to have an economy that gives everyone the opportunity to realise their full potential was noted, with an economy that strengthens the natural and cultural wealth of the county. It was emphasised that it was an exciting opportunity to make Gwynedd a destination of excellence in industries while continuing to nurture and complement traditional sectors such as agriculture and tourism. The vision of having an innovative, productive and low carbon economy that strengthens the Welsh language, creates new opportunities and contributes to well-being was expressed. The members were guided through the three identified themes of Enterprise, People and Well-being.

It was explained that to implement the strategy, they were eager to set up an Economic Forum that would be based on the successful advisory group that navigated the work of the Shared Prosperity Fund. It was expanded that this will ensure a voice for different parts of Gwynedd to ensure awareness of the county's diversity. It was noted that the Forum would produce the annual Delivery Plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework would be a means of measuring success against activities.

Members were given an opportunity to ask questions and offer observations.

The strategy was supported – they welcomed a good strategy to attract investment to the county, it was noted that it was an excellent start and they were looking forward to seeing the targets to see what comes of it.

The strategy was welcomed, and they looked forward to seeing the Delivery Plan. Disappointment was expressed to hear of North Wales Ambition pulling out of the Glynllifon scheme, but the need for development in the south of the County was highlighted.

It was asked how much power the Forum would have and what the monitoring system would be to ensure an even allocation across the county, and whether Councillors would be involved in the monitoring. It was noted that monitoring will be proactive for project development and work will be directed to scrutiny. It was explained that the Forum would provide guidance across the county. It was requested that an annual report be submitted to show cross-county allocation.

The Trawsfynydd Hub was highlighted, and thanks were given for the work that went on behind the scenes. All members were invited to see the demolition work in progress and to see the new plans for the site.

A member asked about the situation in Llanbedr and whether the lease was now in the hands of local people. It was explained that the Government had given it to a private company, but that discussions were ongoing regarding the long-term lease.

The need to ensure that the Planning department supported the economy, and the need to work across departments, were emphasised.

RESOLVED to adopt ‘Gwynedd 2035: An Economy that Works for All' as an economic development strategy for Gwynedd. ⁠