Agenda item

Claire Hogan, Senior Adviser, introduced the item, providing an update on the activity of the RSA Inclusive Growth Commission since the last board meeting. She discussed the first draft submission on a call for evidence and recommendations from the Commission’s Interim report. She advised members that Charlotte Aldridge (RSA) would be attending the January board meeting to update members. Members were asked to reflect on the first draft of the LGA submission of evidence to the commission.

The following points were made:

·         Members requested that there was a stronger emphasis in the submission on the current financial challenges local government faced.

·         There was a request that links to evidence hearings were emailed directly to members.

·         The dominance of private sector builders and lack of competition in the housing market was discussed. It was suggested that local authorities had a potential role as house builders. Problems caused by planning law were also touched upon.

·         The security of tenancies and strong rent regulation were highlighted as important issues which should be included. An international comparison (Berlin) was suggested.

·         Capacity in local government and understanding skills needs in local areas were discussed.

·         There was a discussion around grammar schools and inclusivity, though there was disagreement over this point. Members suggested the curriculum, which was focused on GCSEs, A-Levels and University Entrance, needed to become more inclusive. Attitudes towards vocational qualifications needed to change.

·         Members requested that the word generosity was removed from paragraph 50.

Decision:

The City Regions Board:

1.    Noted the update.

Actions:

1.    Officers to make changes to the text of the draft submission in relation to: challenges LG faces as a result of continued reductions of funding, the role local government plays in aligning educational outcomes with growth opportunities, the potential role for LG as house builders. 

2.    The links to the evidence hearings to be emailed directly to members.