Agenda item

Councillor Shaikh gave a presentation on the work of the Economic Development Directorate. A copy of the presentation is interleaved with the agenda.

In the discussion the following points were made:

·         Councillor Shaikh informed Members that the Council recognises the need for Islington residents to share in economic growth. It is offering coaching and mentoring service to the long term employed residents who have multiple and complex needs or are in receipt of in work benefits. Councillor Shaikh informed Members that during the period April 2016 to March 2017 1,142 residents had been supported into work and that residents are now being directly referred to the most suitable service provider in order to avoid duplication.

·         The meeting was advised that the Council will continue to work to improve the learning and skills of Islington residents so that they are able to take full advantage of available employment opportunities. The Council’s Adult & Community Learning service engages in particular with those furthest from the labour market. The focus has been on building up skills for employment to get people into work and the Council has received £1.1 million external funding from Education & Skills funding Agency to support this objective.

·         The Council. through its local plan. promotes economic growth by protecting existing commercial uses across the borough, particularly in the Central Activities Zone (CAZ) and promoting new commercial uses by ensuring that it secures a proportion of new space in certain areas as affordable workspace.

·         In response to a question on the possibility of the Council protecting small micro shops behind a parade of shops, the Service Director Planning & Development informed Members that despite the efforts of the Council in the last few years, using tools such as Article 4 directions to protect valuable space, the Council has limits because of the government’s policy of permitted development rights.

·         Members were advised that with over 90% of local firms being SMEs, the Council, through its planning policies, has tried to secure affordable workspace for micro and small businesses. Members were informed that the Council had lobbied the DCLG regarding concerns about the business rates system but to no avail, however the Council would be carrying out a media campaign to increase awareness about the unfairness of this issue. In addition Members were informed that a petition regarding this issue has generated over 15,000 signatures.

·         The Council continues to make a positive difference to the local economy through its role as an economic agent in a number of ways. Presently Islington is the highest direct recruiter of apprentices to its own workforce among London Councils. In awarding substantial contracts, the issue of recruiting is taken into consideration. 

·         A suggestion that the issue of corporate responsibility arising from the work undertaken by Islington Employment Commission be given more prominence in the six objectives stated in the draft Economic Development Strategy was noted. Councillor Shaikh advised that Islington iWork has built relationships with employers across a range of sectors based on a programme of support to encourage businesses to recruit locally. The Chair advised that a reference group had been set up to consider this issue of local firms and employment in the borough.

·         Members were advised that Islington Adult and Community Learning Service (ACL) supports disadvantaged adult residents by providing vocational courses and employment support; functional skills in English and Maths for families especially where English is not their first language; family support to improve children’s achievement in school; facilitate community outreach and engagement events etc. It was noted that support from ACL not only builds and develops learner confidence and skills to help adult residents to get a job, but also tackles issues of social isolation and promotes well-being.