Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Environment and Economy which gave Members an update on the implementation of the Construction Employment Integrator Model (now re-named Construction Halton).  The report also set out the action plan for the next phase of the Project to March 2011.

It was reported that the forecast scale of development and other construction related activity in the Borough offered significant potential for moving people from benefits into work.  The Mersey Gateway Project, Building Schools for the Future Programme and 3MG highway infrastructure works had been identified as offering significant training and employment and supply chain opportunities.

The Board was advised that the aim of Construction Halton was to provide a mechanism that would ensure people from disadvantaged groups and areas within Halton were able to access jobs and training opportunities arising in the construction industry and promote growth of local SME’s through supply chain linkages.

This would be achieved by using procurement processes and planning, engaging with employers and contractors to ensure that recruitment and training provision was more relevant and demand led, provided tailored pre-recruitment support and routeways and encouraged and assisted Halton based SME’s.

The report advised the Members on the progress to date, the initial findings and work that was being undertaken. 

Since the initial workshop in 2009 a further workshop had taken place in September 2010 which had reviewed and considered the next steps. 

The Board was advised that the action plan (set out in Appendix II to the report) set out the next steps for implementing the project and identified the lead officers that had been tasked with taking the various actions forward.  In summary the action plan focussed on:-

·    establishing the infrastructure to deliver the project;

·    securing a skills forecasting tool;

·    establishing a Section 106 Protocol;

·    developing and implementing a communication plan;

·    rolling out the Due North registration process to local businesses;

·    continued research into targeted recruitment and training best practice;

·    gaining exemption for local labour clauses in the 1988 Local Government Act;

·    assessing the impact of the De centralisation and Localism Bill; and

·    assessing the extent to which sustainability is embedded into the council’s procurement processes and policies, in relation to the geographical location of the supply chain.

Arising from the discussion, clarity was sought on whether the Authority had considered setting up a construction programme for people with learning difficulties.  In addition, whether the Authority were able to ensure that the developers preferred list of contractors included local people/companies.  In response it was reported that the Authority had not as yet considered establishing a construction programme for people with learning difficulties.  In respect of the preferred list of contractors, it was reported that this was part of a wider consideration when working with employers and the employment charter ensuring employers recruited local residents.  In addition, it was reported that this suggestion would be considered.

It was recognised that Construction Halton was an excellent scheme.  However, the implications of the WNF funding ceasing in March 2011 and the impact the uncertainty of future funding could have on the scheme was noted.

RESOLVED: That the report, action plan and comments be noted.