Decision details

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Phil Bibby CC, asked the following question:

“The Labour Party candidate for the next Parliamentary Election for the Stevenage Constituency had been invited to and had attended many recent Civic Events.  The Conservative Party had recently selected its candidate.  If he were to be invited to such functions, would he be as welcome as the Labour candidate had been?”

The Leader of the Council replied that the Conservative candidate would be welcome to attend future Civic events.  This would also apply to the Liberal Democrat candidate when selected.

The Council then received updates from the relevant Executive Portfolio Holders on the following matters:

·         Sycamore House;

·         Co-operative Neighbourhoods Engagement;

·         UK Shared Prosperity Fund Communities and Place Allocation;

·         Recognition of SBC’s investment to supporting the most vulnerable in our community;

·         Digital Lettings Project for Garages;

·         Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan;

·         APSE Awards Finalist: Best Public/Private Partnership Working initiative;

·         New Leisure Operator; and

·         Information Technology: Future Councils Grant Funding;

In respect of the Sycamore House update, Councillor Phil Bibby CC commented that it was pleasing to see so many life sciences buildings being constructed in the Borough.  He asked if that was attracting related businesses, supply chains etc. which would benefit the town and its residents economically?

The Portfolio Holder for Economy & Transport replied that, as an example, the town centre economy was benefitting from the presence of the occupants of the new Autolus building.  He acknowledged that some of the scientists and support staff would be employed from outside the Borough, but he was keen that skills and training opportunities would be available, particularly for the younger generation, to enable them to progress careers in the life sciences sector.  The Leader of the Council added that SBC was working with North Herts College and developers to look at opportunities for young people in Stevenage, and he referred to the excellent SITEC facility operated by the College to provide Stevenage residents with the necessary skills to commence careers in the STEM sector and associated businesses and supply chains.