LGA Governance


Agenda item

Agenda item

RSA Commission on Inclusive Growth

Minutes:

Claire Hogan, Senior Adviser, introduced the report. Members were updated on the Commission, which had been formally launched on the 12th April. It would be informing its programme through a series of meetings, evidence hearings and a formal call for evidence. Members were encouraged to attend and input to the evidence sessions.

 

·         Members asked how the state would be reconfigured to support growth in city areas. It was felt that government could look inwards to support this work.

 

·         There was potential for this work to be tied in with the work on business rates retention.

 

·         The work could address the divisions between rural areas, the commuter belt and urban areas. The position of the LGA was also discussed in relation to this.

 

·         There were concerns about the focus on insufficiency of jobs in the report. Members highlighted that the methodology demonstrated a correlation between commuting and inclusion, and that high numbers of commuters in an area often brought wealth and economic growth. Places prospering economically often had a high mobility amongst the workforce. This should be seen positively and should be addressed in the LGA’s evidence.

 

·         Members felt that the report did not refer to the spatial nature of exclusion – particularly in highlighting that neighbourhoods which were poor ten years ago were still disadvantaged.

 

·         Improvement of transportation in an area increased opportunities to commute and put pressure on the housing market. It was highlighted that it was often harder to work with people who worked at a distance and that commutability could marginalise more individuals in an area. 

 

·         Members requested that asset- or strength-based approaches on delivery were considered.

 

Decision

 

1.    Members noted the report.

 

Action:

 

1.    Officers agreed to continue with work as directed by members.

 

Supporting documents: