Telford & Wrekin Co-operative Commission demands action on jobs and skills growth
The first report of Telford & Wrekin Council’s ground-breaking independent Co-operative Commission is calling for the Council to become more business focused.
The report which looks at employment, skills and the economy in Telford & Wrekin is the first of five from the 60 strong commission made up of community and business leaders from all walks of life.
The Commission is one of the ways that Telford & Wrekin Council is moving towards co-operative ways of working where it involves local people in planning and running its services.
This group has highlighted three key issues for the Council – attracting businesses into the borough, providing more effective support for existing businesses and transforming itself into a “business winning council”.
They also said the Council must do more to support firms by helping to provide a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.
Commissioners have challenged Telford & Wrekin Council to develop a more commercial approach to economic development and to set up a business development board.
They also want the council to promote itself as a business winning council.
The Commission also wants the council to help improve skills among people in the borough to better the borough’s businesses, particularly for emerging businesses, and create more job opportunities for residents
The Commission’s recommendations will be considered by the Council’s cabinet on March 29.
Cllr Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Co-Operative Council, Environment and Partnerships, said: “The Commissioners have given a great deal of thought to the issue and I look forward to seeing how the Council is ready to respond to the points that they raise.
“It is certainly our intention to make Telford & Wrekin a much more business focused organisation and we have to listen to and act on the points the commissioners have raised.”
