To consider an update on the Borough’s ongoing Business and Economic Development recovery as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic

Guy Grandison proposed an extension to the meeting by a maximum of 30 minutes. This was seconded by Alison Swaddle and subsequently carried.

The Committee considered a report, set out in supplementary agenda pages 3 to 12, which gave an overview of the Council’s ongoing business and economic development recovery from the Covid-19 (C-19) pandemic.

The report stated that whilst most of the work to date has been reactive, there was now a transition into the recovery phase for the Borough’s economy and businesses. Over the coming year, the plan was to speak to all of Wokingham’s businesses to develop a strong lasting relationship with the business community.

Stuart Munro (Executive Member for Business and Economic Development) and Rhian Hayes (Interim Assistant Director Housing and Place) attended the meeting to answer Member queries.

During the ensuing discussion, Member raised the following points and queries:

·           Members commented that Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) had gone above and beyond in being a supportive organisation throughout the pandemic for businesses across the Borough.

·           Were there any statistics on the numbers of new businesses that had popped up during the pandemic, and how WBC might be able to support them going forwards? Officer response – This was typically a statistic which had a large time lag, however this information would be available in the future, and WBC was keen to support emerging businesses.

·           The Committee wished to extend their thanks to all those who enabled such a thorough response in such a difficult period of time.

·           What was the key to the successful deployment of business grants? Officer response – WBC staff delivered for our residents, and in particular Andrew Kupusarevic and the business rates team worked incredibly hard to ensure smooth delivery of business grant payments on or before time.

·           How long would the Covid Marshals be kept on for? Officer response – The opening up fund would enable the tenure of the marshals to be extended for another couple of months.

·           How was WBC planning to engage with all of the businesses across the Borough, and identify their needs properly? Officer response – Businesses had a wide range of varying needs. WBC was planning to speak to each business to understand their specific needs.

·           It was noted that there was still a strong demand for commercial space within the Borough.

·           Were companies letting us know if they planned on letting staff go after the furlough scheme ended? Officer response – Whilst there was no requirement for businesses to do so, WBC would seek to capture this information wherever possible.

·           Was there any update on the claimant count within the Borough? Officer response – The current rate was 3.3%, down from 3.5%, and officers were watching this rate to see which direction it would go.

·           How many Borough residents had been furloughed in the Borough? Officer response – 10,900 people, or 13 percent of total jobs, had been furloughed within the Borough.

·           The business change survey had identified a number of businesses that were struggling and were not likely to continue trading. Was there an update on these businesses? Officer response – All responding businesses would be called, which had not occurred yet due to officers being involved in surge testing. Officers would be looking to see whether there was anything that WBC or another agency could do to support these businesses.

·           How had the £300,000 grant related to the public realm been spent? Officer response – This grant had been used to purchase signage around social distancing, providing information leaflets regarding legislation and advice, and to employ some of the Covid marshals.

·           What could be done to achieve a better response from future surveys to businesses? Officer response – This was difficult at businesses received a large amount of surveys. The next survey was planned for about six months’ time, and more face to face contact was planned.

·           Were the Covid marshals being considered for different roles within WBC once their contracts expired? Officer response – These staff had done an excellent job, and WBC always looked to retain skilled staff where possible and appropriate.

RESOLVED That:

1)     Stuart Munro and Rhian Hayes be thanked for attending the meeting;

2)     All staff and Members involved in the business response to the pandemic be thanked for their hard work during a difficult time.