Issue - decisions

(Minute 58)

The report of the Deputy Chief Executive was submitted, bringing to Members attention the issue of low wages across Exeter and the potential impact this had on both the local economy and citizens across the City.

Scrutiny Committee - Economy considered the report at its meeting on 30 May 2013 and the comments of members were noted including the setting up of a Task and Finish Group to look at ways to address the low wage economy.

During discussion Members raised the following points:-

• the reason many people move to Exeter is because it’s a pleasant area of the country to live and not because of the wages
• whilst not everyone working in the city were on a low wage; there are a lot of residents who do not earn enough to purchase their own property
• there was a balance to be found between low wages, taxation and the complicated benefits system
• concern that wages were lower in Exeter than other parts of the South West
• there was the impact of the rising cost of living to consider
• the need to attract new businesses to Exeter and how wages costs impact on this.

The Portfolio Holder Economy and Culture put forward a proposal to establish a Forum, to be chaired by the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture and with members from Scrutiny Committee - Economy, to consider the impact of low wages and high cost of living on Exeter residents and identify strategies to address these issues. This Forum would invite representatives from the University, Local Businesses and Community Groups to come along to give views and evidence.

This was seconded by Councillor Hannaford.

A Member raised concerns regarding the effectiveness and purpose of a Forum and that there were limitations as to what it could actually achieve.

The majority of Executive Members supported the establishment of a Forum to take forward the impact of low wages and high cost of living on Exeter residents.

Executive resolved that:-

(1)        the contents of this report and the potential impact on citizens and the wider economy be noted; and

(2)        a Forum be established, to be chaired by the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture and with members from Scrutiny Committee - Economy, to consider the impact of low wages and high cost of living on Exeter residents and identify strategies to address these issues.