Issue - meetings

To review the Local Economic Assessment, prior to the preparation of a new Economic Strategy.

Recommendation: to note the report.

The local economic assessment (LEA) was a detailed piece of work that took place every five years.  A precis of the key findings of this LEA was provided.  There had been progress on educational attainment in particular.  Spelthorne was also home to more businesses now than before the pandemic.  This potentially hinted at a number of job losses and the affected individuals starting businesses with their severance packages.

There was discussion about how the LEA would be used to prioritise projects.  This would be taken on board when the Economic Strategy was drafted.

The success of the recent Spelthorne Business Awards event was lauded.  Such events provided a good opportunity to promote Spelthorne as somewhere that welcomed businesses.  Officers were thanked for their efforts.

The report was noted.