Agenda item

For information: To consider an update on the progress of the Oxfordshire Economic Recovery Plan, overseen by the Economic Recovery Task Group, and the headline performance of the Oxfordshire economy as it emerges from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Partnership considered a report setting out both an update on the progress of the Oxfordshire Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) and the headline performance of the county’s economy as it emerged from the challenges of the pandemic. This was presented by Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of OxLEP.

Mr Tipple explained that the report and ERP had three broad areas of focus:

1.     Activities where funding had been secured and OxLEP was working flexibly or in partnership to deliver them.

2.     Activities where funding has been allocated via various HM Government support schemes.

3.     Projects which had been worked up to implementation stage, but which were not yet funded.

It was stressed that a whole system, non-vertical approach was required so that where resources were available these could be targeted most effectively.

Although the levels of unemployment within Oxfordshire were broadly positive, significant pockets of unemployment existed within some urban areas. It, therefore, remained necessary to press and explore potential funding opportunities, especially those that support young people, with HM Government. Young people not in education, employment, or training, (NEETs) were a key priority and there had been a rise in the numbers of this cohort.

As the number of apprenticeship opportunities started to recover following the pandemic, the focus was upon supporting those sectors which hoped to recruit. In addition, action was being taken to promote apprenticeships in a manner accessible to young people. This was to ensure that they were aware of the opportunities that exist in their local area.

The visitor sector is a significant part of Oxfordshire’s economy. It employs around 40,000 people and is the largest employer of women in the county. The sector was, however, currently experiencing significant challenges – including the closure of HM Government’s furlough scheme. As a result, more capacity and support would be put in place working through the ERP.

Mr Tipple informed that Panel that, while every effort would be made to adopt a whole system approach and to pivot funding to meet the challenges facing Oxfordshire’s economy, there were a substantial number of prioritised ERP interventions that were not currently funded. It was, therefore, of critical importance to continue conversations with HM Government about the support it could provide.

Jeremy Long, Chair OxLEP, highlighted references within the ERP to Oxfordshire’s Inclusive Economic Partnership (IEP). He informed members that a strong interest had been shown in this by a range of expert stakeholders with knowledge relevant to the issues affecting the county. It was, in his opinion, gaining momentum and several of its working groups had reported back on important matters. Mr Long argued that for the IEP to move forward as an Oxfordshire wide partnership, and to take advantage of the opportunities offered, a complete system approach was required. This would involve the provision of an appropriate level of project resource.

Councillor Brown supported Mr Long’s remarks. She commented that the importance of the work of the IEP was demonstrated by issues such as the recruitment problems being experienced by many employers in Oxfordshire – exacerbated by a combination of relatively low wages and a lack of affordable housing.

Councillor Brown also highlighted the significance of the investment being undertaken through the Low Carbon Hub to develop alternative energy markets for the county. She argued that the need for this had been shown by the recent sudden increases in energy costs.

Councillor Brown also stressed the importance of developing workforce skills in order for people to take advantage of new employment opportunities.

Mr Tipple, in response to a question from Councillor Leffman, said that the expectation was that any relaxation of restrictions on entry to the UK would assist the recovery of the visitor economy, but that any material change in numbers should not be expected until mid-2022.

Miranda Markham, OxLEP Business Representative for Bicester, commented that a full recovery in visitors, particularly from long-haul destinations, might not be realised until 2024. It was, therefore, important not to become complacent about the challenge. 

RESOLVED: That the Future Oxfordshire Partnership:

1.     Notes the progress being made in delivering the Economic Recovery Plan and the key issues facing the economy.

2.     Endorses the need for continued whole-system responses, through the Economic Task Group, to the economic challenges faced in Oxfordshire and the co-ordination of resources across partners to drive delivery and secure further investment to support businesses and local communities.