Minutes:
The Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Diane Close referred Members to the recent prominent articles and news stories relating to the remit of the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee (for copy see file of minutes).
The articles included a report of a Landlord fined more than £700 for breaching the terms of a licence for a property within a designated selective licensing area at Easington Colliery. It was added that Durham County Council (DCC) brought the case against the landlord after he failed to comply with two of the conditions of the licence. Members were reminded that the Wembley area of Easington Colliery was a designated selective licensing area from July 2014 to July 2019 and the issue linked to the work of the Committee in looking at the proposed Selective Licensing Scheme for County Durham.
A further article noted that more than 70 apprenticeship opportunities had been filled within the Council, varying from Intermediate (Level 2) to Degree level. It was explained that apprentices ranged in age from 16-37 years and worked across most areas of Council work including: business administration; bricklaying; civil engineering; financial management; horticulture; and highways. Members noted the links to the work of the Committee had undertaken in looking at apprenticeship opportunities for young people and DCC as an employer.
The Committee learned that Newcastle Building Society had created a branch in Barnard Castle Market Place which included six full and part-time positions, including a Financial Adviser. It was noted this linked to activity of the Committee in looking at work undertaken to regenerate our town centres and improve the retail offer.
The Overview and Scrutiny Officer explained that the first tenant, Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Europe Sumitomo, had signed up at the new Jade Business Park, near Murton. She added that Sumitomo produced and distributed automotive wiring harnesses, fuse boxes, connectors, and cables throughout Europe. Councillors noted that the site was managed by Business Durham with the media item linking to the work of Business Durham which was the following item on the agenda.
Resolved:
That the presentation be noted.