Longbridge Area Action Plan: Baseline Studies Socio Economic Baseline Report

Longbridge Area Action Plan: Baseline Studies Socio Economic Baseline Report

January 2008

CONTENTS

1 Introduction 3 1.1 Introduction 3 1.4 Defining the study area 3

2 Policy Context 7 2.1 Overview 7 2.2 National frameworks 7 2.6 Regional context 8 2.13 Local context 11 2.18 Key Implication for Longbridge 12

3 Baseline Assessment 14 3.1 Introduction 14 3.2 Demographics 14 3.13 Local Employment activity and the labour market 19 3.20 Local Skills Profile 23 3.29 Key employment sectors 28 3.41 Quality of life issues 33

4 Local Networks, Projects and Priorities 40 4.1 Local networks and projects 40 4.12 Emerging Priorities 43

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1 INTRODUCTION

Context

1.1 This baseline report analyses the current state of communities based in the proximity of the Longbridge Area Action Plan. The report is concerned with understanding the impact of continued economic transformation on: - Demographics - Local economic activity and the labour market - Local skills profiles - Key employment sectors - Quality of life issues

1.2 The report uses a number of data-sources including NOMIS, Office of National Statistics, Labour Force Survey, Annual Survey of Population, Annual Business Inquiry and the Indices of Multiple Deprivation.

1.3 The report also sets out a series of conclusions and recommendations, which should be considered as part of the development and implementation of the Longbridge Area Action Plan.

Defining the study areas

1.4 This report in the main refers to two study areas, namely:

Longbridge Context Area

1.5 This consists of an approximate 1km buffer area around the Longbridge AAP site, which is used to consider the impact of the development proposal on the demographics of the Longbridge Ward and its neighbouring wards. It covers the Birmingham Wards of Longbridge, Northfield, Kings Norton, Bournville, Selly Oak, Weoley and Bartley Green as well as the Bromsgrove Wards of Hillside, Beacon and Waseley. The 1km

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buffer is based upon similar studies carried out elsewhere. The Longbridge Context Area is illustrated in Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1 Longbridge Context Area

Longbridge Travel to Work Area

1.6 When considering employment, labour markets, skills and deprivation issues a wider study area has been used. The Closure of MG Rover: Economic Impact Assessment Stage 1 Report (Regeneris, 2005) suggests that the economic footprint of the former MG Rover’s employees at Longbridge was concentrated in the area around South West Birmingham, South Black Country and North Worcestershire (see Figure 1-2). The core areas of concentration of MG Rover’s workforce have been adopted as a guideline to establish the Longbridge Travel to Work Area (TTWA) for the development site. The defined Longbridge TTWA is highlighted as an area covered by a blue boundary in Figure 1-2. Further, it is worth noting that the Longbridge TTWA also coincides with a 10 km buffer from the AAP site.

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1.7 It should also be noted that elements of the report have also been updated / supplemented with the findings of ongoing skills and employment research / development work across the South West Birmingham area (1). This work does not exactly mirror the Longbridge Context Area or TTWA in terms of study coverage, but does provide a useful broad insight into current skills, employment and enterprise issues across the South West Birmingham Area.

Figure 1-2 South West Employment and Enterprise Partnership (SWEEP)

Error!

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1.8 Where possible, the position of Longbridge TTWA has been benchmarked against regional and national comparators. The socio-economic baseline has also been benchmarked against a Wider Context Area – a conurbation which includes the local authorities which fall within the Longbridge TTWA, including Sandwell, Solihill, Walsall and Dudley. As highlighted in The Closure of MG Rover: Economic Impact Report (Regeneris, 2005), it is worth noting that nearly three quarters of the redundant employees at the former MG Rover plant were based in the defined Wider Contact Area.

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2 POLICY CONTEXT

Overview

2.1 The future of Longbridge and its surrounding area will continue to be influenced by external policy decisions at a national, regional and local level. The Area Action Plan needs to be strategically aligned to these strategies and policies to ensure its relevance and appropriateness. This brief review considers relevant policy, from a national to local level, in order to provide context and justification for the potential options considered for re-development. The Longbridge site consequently offers one of the largest and most strategically significant development opportunities in the West Midlands for many years.

National frameworks

2.2 The Sustainable Communities Plan: Building for the Future (ODPM, 2003) national programme marks a significant step forward towards maintaining and creating sustainable communities across England and bridging the economic gap between London and the other regions. Although the programme has a particular focus on tackling the complexities of housing market dynamics, it is driven forward by broad operating objectives including prosperity for all, reduced inequalities, greater and better employment opportunities, improved public services, better health and education and low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour. The national framework provides the Government’s long term vision to raise the quality of life throughout England and also the tools to build successful, thriving and inclusive communities, which:

• Are economically prosperous; • Have access to decent and affordable homes; • Safeguard the countryside; • Enjoy a well-designed, accessible and pleasant living and working environment; and • Are effectively and fairly governed with a strong sense of community.

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2.3 The National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal and the Our Towns and Cities: the Future – Delivering on Urban Renaissance (Urban White Paper) (both 2000) together set out the Government’s approach for the future of towns and cities and the regeneration of deprived neighbourhoods. In particular, the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy promotes holistic approaches to the regeneration of deprived communities, with a particular focus on local enterprise and employment. Other priorities include basic skills improvement, promotion of a learning culture in deprived communities and community cohesion.

2.4 The ODPM’s urban white paper sets out a framework to co-ordinate action to re-vitalise urban areas. By setting out the guiding principle that people must come first, it focuses upon policies, programmes and structures of governance that are based on engaging local people in partnerships for change with strong local leadership. This inclusive approach sets out to tackle social exclusion, and is central to achieving sustainable economic growth.

2.5 The Skills White Paper 21 st Century Skills: Realising Your Potential aims to ensure that employers have the skills to support the success of their business, and that employees have the necessary skills to be both employable and personally fulfilled. The approach is to build a new skills alliance where every employer, employee and citizen plays their part.

Regional context

2.6 Connecting to Success the new West Midlands Economic Strategy, was launched on 10th December 2007. This Strategy sets a vision for the West Midlands: ‘To be a global centre where people and businesses choose to connect.’ The Strategy sets out a number of key ambitions including maintaining and enhancing the attractiveness of the West Midlands as a location in which people and businesses choose to invest, work, learn, visit and live. This translates to:

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• Becoming a more prosperous region, but recognising that economic growth must support overall improvements in the quality of life and well-being of all the region’s residents; • Becoming a more cosmopolitan and inclusive region, making full use of the skills and talents of local people and ensuring equality of opportunity, across the region, in relation to the wealth and prosperity generated through continued economic growth; • Becoming a more sustainable region, correctly valuing our natural, historic and cultural assets, • Seeking to minimise the use of the planet’s resources and preparing for a low-carbon future.

2.7 The Strategy also sets out a headline objective of closing the gap between the performance of the West Midlands and that of the UK as a whole. This means tracking GVA. The new West Midlands Economic Strategy supersedes the Delivering Advantage 2004 Economic Strategy.

2.8 The Connecting to Success Strategy sets out a number of strategic objectives including:

• Seizing market opportunities - increasing the region’s penetration of existing, attractive markets and capturing share of developing, growth and high-value markets; • Improving competitiveness – continuously aiming to improve business competitiveness, productivity, market profile and local supply chain linkages to enable businesses to take advantage of new product and market opportunities; • Harnessing knowledge - developing and growing knowledge assets and the competitive advantage tied up in the skills and attitudes of local people; • Increasing Birmingham’s competitiveness –the key role the city plays as a major gateway for visitors, investors, business and potential new residents; • Improving infrastructure - provision of high quality transport, housing, land and property, and encouraging the use of technology, as well as recognising the importance of sustainability and the natural environment; • Sustainable communities – developing a network of high-quality sustainable urban and rural communities which attract and retain a diverse and thriving workforce;

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• Sustainable living - establishing changes in patterns of travel, waste production, energy use and overall consumption; • Raising ambitions – developing a more positive attitude to work and a stronger culture of life-long learning and continuous development; • Achieving full potential and opportunities for all - raising the skill levels of all to assist in increasing employment opportunities and to meet demand for higher-level skills in the workplace, and • A powerful voice for the West Midlands – continuing to articulate a convincing advocacy of needs, challenges and priorities.

2.9 Within the urban context, the West Midlands Economic Strategy focuses its geographical delivery on areas of multiple market failure – the Regeneration Zones (which represent concentrations of deprivation and disadvantage within the region; the areas of greatest need and market failure; concentrations of knowledge assets – including High Technology Corridors, these represent agglomerations of innovative potential to support the diversification of our economy into higher value added sectors; Birmingham – as the major economic driver within the West Midlands economy, Birmingham hosts an agglomeration of essential economic assets and adds value to external perceptions as both a representative image, and a gateway to the region as a whole. Attention is also paid to responding flexibly to locations facing economic change or responding to opportunities.

2.10 It should be noted that a proportion of the Longbridge TTWA is covered by Regeneration Zone activity and that a sections of the Area Action Plan falls within the A38 High Technology Corridor. The Longbridge site also presents a real opportunity to respond flexibly to market opportunities.

2.11 The new strategy places a strong focus upon developing the technological, business and commercial strengths of the whole of the West Midlands. This includes supporting the Birmingham Science City initiative and the development of high technology growth corridors. Longbridge is sited within the Central Technology Belt, which has an important role in concentrating knowledge assets and supporting the diversification of the regional economy.

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2.12 Longbridge is specifically referenced in the strategy and includes a discussion of its role in regenerating brownfield land and creating new and sustainable employment. It also discusses the development of the Technology Park and progress on the new local centre.

Local context

2.13 The Community Strategies for Birmingham, Bromsgrove and Worcestershire include a number of aims focusing upon improving the quality of life, the need to raise skill levels and improving general economic well-being. Whilst none of the community strategies specifically mention the Longbridge site, they all refer to similar key goals towards which the redevelopment of the Longbridge site will contribute.

2.14 Developing Birmingham – An Economic Strategy for the City 2005-2015 was developed by Birmingham City Council along with other key agencies in the city. Through partnership building, the strategy aims to build on Birmingham’s renaissance and to secure a strong and sustainable local economy which will benefit all of the city’s communities. The strategy is structured around four Key Areas which set out a series of objectives and actions:

• Development and Investment; • Creating a Skilled Workforce; • Fostering Business Development & Diversification; • Creating Sustainable Communities & Vibrant Urban Villages.

2.15 In order to support the industrial policies in the UDP the City Council has prepared a Supplementary Planning Document on the ‘Loss of Industrial Land to Alternative Uses’ . The SPD was adopted by the City Council on 27th February 2006. The purpose of the SPD is to provide guidance to developers on the information required when submitting a planning application, where a change of use from industrial land to an alternative use, such as housing, is being proposed. The SPD requires developers to provide evidence that an industrial site has been actively marketed, to demonstrate whether there is demand for industrial re-use/redevelopment. Developers would also need to consider the viability of industrial development including a detailed analysis of

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redevelopment costs and the potential for public sector funding to overcome constraints.

2.16 The Closure of MG Rover: Economic Impact Assessment reports prepared by Regeneris Consulting conclude that in terms of local regeneration and spatial policy for Longbridge and its context area, there is a need for:

• A special instrument/incorporation in an existing instrument (such as a Regeneration Zone) to guide the immediate areas around Longbridge away from a potential path of spiralling decline;

• Continued support for the Central Technology Belt activities aimed at helping diversify and increase the value added in the economy straddling most of the areas of local impact.

2.17 Additionally, the MG Rover Task Force Report (March 2006) states that the Longbridge site offers one of the largest and strategically most significant development opportunities in the West Midlands for many years. It suggests that the Area Action Plan could address the scope for the development of a major visitor attraction or other centres of wide geographical significance such as facilities for education, sporting, or other excellence. Irrespective of the range of final agreed land uses, there is the potential to deliver architecture, design and sustainable development of high order.

Key Implication for Longbridge

2.18 The Longbridge site was one of Britain’s largest car factories. In the past it has experienced many major successes and milestones and played an increasingly significant and innovative role in the UK manufacturing industry. However, one of the many detrimental effects of the closure of the MG Rover Plant in April 2005 was the loss of 6,000 jobs in and around the surrounding area.

2.19 Today there are significant opportunities to accelerate the rate of employment and bring greater prosperity to the region. Economic policy sets out that this growth should be sustainable, focused on creating high value jobs, redeveloping existing facilities and

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creating an attractive environment for business and leisure. Nevertheless the redevelopment should address the need for the creation of a diverse employment base and offer an appropriate route back into to the labour market for vulnerable redundant workers of the former MG Rover Group.

2.20 Development must seek to ensure that a balance is struck between the creation of highly skilled jobs and replacing those jobs lost with the Longbridge factory closure. Redevelopment of the site should also ensure that the pressures for urgent job creation are balanced effectively against providing viable long term, sustainable development and employment opportunities.

2.21 The site offers one of the largest and most strategically significant development opportunities in the West Midlands and has the potential to have a transformational impact on the city-region economy.

2.22 The policy context reviewed in this section emphasises the pertinent elements of some of the key strategies relating to the site. The redevelopment of the Longbridge site is strategically aligned with the national, regional and local policy context and is perceived as an important opportunity for economic development, regeneration and employment growth in the area. These key elements include the need to modernise and diversify the economy, the need to deliver higher value added activities and develop the skills base in the region.

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3 BASELINE ASSESSMENT

Introduction

3.1 The remainder of this report is concerned with better understanding: - Demographics - Local economic activity and the labour market - Local skills profiles - Key employment sectors - Quality of life issues

Demographics

3.2 This section reviews the population profile and household structure of the Longbridge Context Area. Considering the ward level definition of the context area, the analysis has been based on the data obtained from Census 2001 results.

Population profile

3.3 The Census 2001 data suggests that 172,423 people reside in the Longbridge Context Area, of which 59% falls within the 20-64 age group.

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Figure 3-1: Local population’s age structure (Source: Census 1991 and 2001 data, NOMIS)

Demographics: Age structure of the resident population (1991 - 2001)

100% 6.8% 7.4% 6.4% 7.4% 7.1% 7.5%

90% 9.5% 7.7% 9.0% 8.5% 9.0% 8.3%

80% 15.6% 14.9% 16.1% 17.8% 15.7% 17.4% 70%

60% 19.3% 19.1% 20.1% 20.2% 20.7% 21.3%

50%

40% 23.9% 24.2% 22.1% 22.8% 19.6% 20.4%

% of total % population resident 30%

20% 12.1% 13.8% 12.9% 13.3% 12.4% 12.7%

10% 13.8% 12.1% 13.3% 12.6% 12.9% 12.3%

0% Longbridge Context Area Longbridge Context Area West Midlands 1991 West Midlands 2001 England 1991 England 2001 1991 2001 0 - 9 years 10 - 19 years 20 - 34 years 35 - 49 years 50 - 64 years 65 - 74 years 75 and above

3.4 Although the West Midlands and England have a similar concentration of the 20-64 age groups, the Longbridge Context Area has a relatively younger profile of the working age population 1. Figure 3-1 indicates that some 24.2% of Longbridge Context Area’s resident population falls within the 20-34 category compared to regional (19.6%) and national (20.4%) averages, although this may reflect the large term-time student populations in the wider context area. In addition, 15.6% of Longbridge Context Area’s population falls within the 50 – 64 age band, compared to a regional and national average of 17.8% and 17.4% respectively. The apparent population gain between 1991 and 2001 may reflect both the 2001 census results being adjusted upwards to allow for under counting and the inclusion of students at term time addresses; 1991 figures were not adjusted to the same extent and students were counted at vacation addresses.

1 Due to data limitation, the age group of 20-64 year olds is used as a proxy for defining ‘working age population’ for the purpose of demographic analysis.

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Ethnicity

3.5 A further breakdown of local population bases by ethnic origin suggests that 85% of the population in the larger Longbridge Context Area is of White origins (Census 2001). This is lower than the regional and national averages of 89% and 91% respectively. The proportion of Longbridge Context Area’s population with mixed race origins appears to be more than twice the averages for West Midlands and England. Likewise, the proportion of residents in Longbridge Context Area with African and Caribbean origin is approximately twice the regional and national averages. There are also much larger fractions of population with Chinese and other ethnic origins than regionally and nationally. In comparison, there appears to be an under representation of people with Asian origin in Longbridge Context Area, when compared to the regional and national averages.

Table 3-1: Ethnic origins of the resident population (Source: Census 2001, NOMIS)

Longbridge Context Ethnic Origin England West Midlands Area White population 90.9% 88.7% 85.4% Mixed race population 1.3% 1.4% 2.9% Asian origin 4.6% 7.3% 6.0% African or Caribbean origin 2.3% 2.0% 4.5% Chinese origin 0.4% 0.3% 0.7% Other ethnic groups 0.4% 0.3% 0.6% Total 100% 100% 100%

Change in population

3.6 Review of the 1991 and 2001 census data sets suggests that Longbridge Context Area’s population has declined by 1.3% compared to a growth in regional (2.3%) and national (4.4%) population bases. The change in ward boundaries, which constitute the Longbridge Context area over the two census periods, could partly be considered as the reason for this decline.

3.7 A further analysis of change in population by age groups summarised in Figure 3-2 reveals that most of this decline in the context area has been concentrated in 0 – 9 and 65 – 74 age groups. In comparison, the area’s 10 – 19, 50 – 64 year olds and 75 + age

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groups have expanded between the two census periods. Also worth noting is the limited change in the 20 – 34 and 30 – 49 year olds in the context area over the two census period.

Figure 3-2: Change in Longbridge Context Area’s population base between 1991 and 2001 (Source: Census 1991 and 2001 data, NOMIS)

Change in Population in Longbridge Context Area: 1991 - 2001

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0% 0 - 9 years 10 - 19 years 20 - 34 years 35 - 49 years 50 - 64 years 65 - 74 years 75 and above

-5.0%

% % change2001 1991 andbetween -10.0%

-15.0%

-20.0% Longbridge Context Area

Household structure

3.8 The Census 2001 data suggests that there are some 73,350 households in the Longbridge Context Area, with an average size of 2.35 residents. In comparison, households in West Midlands and England on average comprise of 2.45 and 2.40 residents.

Vulnerable households

3.9 The Census 2001 data also suggests that 28% of the households in the Longbridge Context Area have dependent child(ren), compared to 30% in the West Midlands region and 29% nationally. Additionally, the data suggests that the main ‘household reference person’ (HRP) in some 27% of the households in Longbridge is of pensionable age or more.

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3.10 With regards to lone parents, the Census 2001 data indicates that almost a quarter of all families in the Longbridge Context Area are single parent households. In comparison, on average 16% of families in West Midlands and England are single parent households. In addition, the main HRP is a female in more than 88% of single parent families in the context area compared to 85% regional and national averages.

Social grade of households

3.11 The Census 2001 data also provides details on the social grade of the main HRP. These social grades are based on broad occupational categories. The data suggests that some 45% of the HRPs in Longbridge Context Area engage managerial or professional occupations compared to 51% nationally. On the contrary, some 19% of HRPs in the context area are semi-skilled / unskilled manual workers compared to 16% in England. Additionally, a further 23% of HRPs are either lowest grade workers or unemployed / on state benefit compared to a national average of 19%.

3.12 Over representation of households such as those with unskilled manual workers and unemployed people as the main household representative, suggest a low level of earnings and disposable incomes for residents in the context area. This is further highlighted through the prevailing levels of income deprivation in Longbridge Context Area, presented later in this chapter.

Table 3-2: Social grade of household reference person (Source: Census 2001, NOMIS) Longbridge West Social grade of Households Reference Person England Context Area Midlands Higher and intermediate managerial / professional 18% 18% 21% Supervisory, clerical, junior managerial / professional 28% 28% 30% Skilled manual workers 12% 15% 13% Semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers 19% 18% 16% On state benefit, unemployed, lowest grade workers 23% 20% 19% Total 100% 100% 100%

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Summary The Census 2001 data suggests that the Longbridge Context Area has a relatively younger profile of the working age population. Additionally, comparisons between the 1991 and 2001 Census data highlight a declining population base for the context area compared to a regional and national growth. In particular, the concentration of younger age groups with the working age cohort (e.g. 20-34 and 35-49) remained almost unchanged over the two census periods. However, the concentration of 50-64 year olds – older working age residents - expanded during the same time period.

In addition, some 42% of the main household reference persons (HRP) in the context area appear to belong to the lowest two social grades defined by the Office of National Statistics. Also worth noting is the high levels of households where the main HRP is either a single parent or is of pensionable age or more.

Local Employment activity and the labour market

3.13 This section reviews the economic conditions in the Longbridge TTWA, within which the local labour market generally operates. Key generic aspects considered as part of this baseline assessment include economic activity, unemployment, skills and occupational structure, sectoral profile, enterprise culture and various forms of economic deprivation. The review focuses on certain specific issues including the significance of the automotive sector and the impacts of closure of MG Rover on the local economy. Where possible, the economic baselining exercise also gives due considerations to the economic conditions prevailing within Longbridge Context Area. However, due to lack of availability of data at ward level, this analysis is mostly limited to Census 2001 data.

Economic Activity

3.14 The Census 2001 data suggests that labour market participation in the Longbridge TTWA and the Longbridge Context Area, measured in terms of economic activity rate amongst the local working age population, is lower than regional and national average. In addition, as highlighted in Figure 3-3, the economic activity rate for the working age

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population is in the context area is lower than that for the TTWA. The economic activity rate in the wider area may be distorted by the low rates in Selly Oak, which reflect the high student population in the ward.

3.15 The Closure of MG Rover: Economic Impact Assessment, Stage 2 Report estimated that some 70% of the redundant MG Rover and its suppliers’ workers were likely to gain employment in the 18 months following the closure of the site. Considering the scale of employment lost in the first instance at MG Rover and its suppliers 2 in conjunction with the that fact nearly 70% of these employees were located within the Longbridge TTWA, this loss of jobs will have a negative impact on the labour market participation levels in the area, particularly in the short to medium term. For similar reasons, economic activity rates in the Longbridge Context Area are also envisaged to demonstrate a downward trend. In fact, with much higher density levels of former MG Rover Workers in the Context Area, the impact is likely to be much more significant compared to the wider TTWA and the wider context area.

2 The Closure of MG Rover: Economic Impact Assessment, Stage 1 Report suggests that by July 2005 around 5,400 MG Rover Group workers had been made redundant, with at least a further 600 workers known to have been made redundant in MG Rover Group’s suppliers. The remaining 450 MG Rover group workers were also envisaged to lose their jobs shortly.

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Figure 3-3: Economic activity levels benchmarked against England (Source: Annual Population Survey 2005, Census 2001 3)

Economic Activity (2005, 2001)

80.0%

78.0%

76.0%

74.0%

72.0%

% ofworkingpopulation % age active economically 70.0%

68.0% Economic activity rate of working age population

England (2005) West Midlands (2005) Wider Context Area (2005) Longbridge TTWA (2001) Longbridge Context Area (2001)

3.16 The Closure of MG Rover: Economic Impact Assessment, Stage 1 Report indicated that redundant workers re-gaining jobs on average were younger and better qualified than average laid off staff. In particular, there appeared to be a buoyant demand for trained engineers and supervisory staff with HND / HNC qualifications. However, the Stage 1 Report suggests that most of the former MG Rover staff are relatively old. The report also states that whilst there is the potential for other less skilled workers to gain employment within other manufacturing firms within the region, the going wage rates compared to their expectations may be a barrier (at least in the short term). Additionally, the various age and skills barriers along with the redundancy payment may limit the short term need of most redundant workers to find jobs. Further, lack of attractive employment opportunities may lead to some of these vulnerable redundant workers to voluntarily opt out of the labour market altogether.

3 The smallest geographic areas covered by Labour Force Survey and the Annual Population Survey are local authorities. Hence, the data for economic activity rate in Longbridge TTWA and Longbridge Context Area (defined at ward level) are only available from Census 2001.

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Unemployment

3.17 In the absence of any data for unemployment rates for the Longbridge TTWA and Longbridge Context Area at ward level, the claimant count rates for the areas measured as a proportion of the resident working age population appears to be suitable proxies. The claimant count rate for March 2005 suggests that unemployment in the Longbridge Context Area and the TTWA has historically been greater than the national average (see Figure 3-4). Understandably, some of the most disadvantaged communities in England in terms of employment deprivation are located within Longbridge Context Area and the TTWA (see Figure 3-5).

Figure 3-4: Claimant Count Rate (Source: Claimant Count Register 2005/07, NOMIS)

Claimant Count (2005 -2007)

6.0% ation 5.0%

4.0%

3.0%

2.0%

1.0% Claimant countClaimant%of popul resident workinga as age

0.0%

5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 05 05 05 0 0 06 06 06 0 07 07 07 -05 l-0 - -0 - -0 - - l-0 r y-05 n- u n- ul-06 v n- u a u J ug a eb ar J ar ay- u J Ma Apr-05 M J A Sep- Oct- Nov-05 Dec- J F M Apr May-06 Jun-06 Aug-0 Sep- Oct-0 No Dec-06 Jan-07 Feb-07 M Apr-07 M J Aug-07 Sep-07

England West Midlands Wider Context Area Longbridge TTWA Longbridge Context Area

3.18 Since the closure of the former MG Rover plant the level of claimant count in both the Longbridge TTWA and the Longbridge Context Area had increased considerably. The redundancies at MG Rover and its suppliers also appear to have impacted on the claimant count rates for the region and the wider context area in the short term. However, the claimant count rate within the Longbridge TTWA, the Context Area and

the comparators has started to decline after peaking in 2006.

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3.19 As mentioned earlier, various factors affecting the behaviour of the redundant workers may have led to some of them not registering on the claimant count register. Hence, the currently achieved claimant count rate in the Longbridge TTWA and the Longbridge Context Area is not representative of the ‘real’ extent of unemployment in the area.

Figure 3-5: Employment Deprivation in Longbridge TTWA (Source: Indices of Multiple Deprivation, Office of Deputy Prime Minister, 2004)

Local Skills Profile

3.20 The skills levels of the local workforce influence an area’s occupational and wage structure. These consequently impact on the output and productivity of an area. The Annual Local Area Labour Force Survey (LFS) is a nationally recognised source for reviewing the skills base and occupational structure of an area’s workforce. However, local authorities are the lowest geographic area covered by the survey. Hence, the results for England, West Midlands and the wider context area are sourced from the

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2004 Annual Local Area LFS. Additionally, the data for Longbridge TTWA and Longbridge Context Area, defined in terms of wards, has been sourced from Census 2001.

3.21 The data suggests that nearly one third of the economically active population in the Longbridge TTWA and the Longbridge Context Area has no qualification. This is almost three times higher than the national average. In addition, these trends can also be demonstrated through the concentration of some of the most disadvantaged communities in England, in terms of education and skills deprivation, within the Longbridge TTWA – particularly around and north of the former MG Rover site (see Figure 3-6).

Figure 3-6: Education and Skills Deprivation in Longbridge TTWA (Source: Indices of Multiple Deprivation, Office of Deputy Prime Minister, 2004)

3.22 The data also suggests that lower than average proportion of economically active residents with a degree of higher qualification reside in the Longbridge TTWA. This said, nearly 24% of the economically active residents in the Longbridge Context Area have a degree or higher qualification. This, although comparable to the regional

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average, is much lower than the percentage of economically active residents in England with NVQ 4+.

Table 3-3: Local Occupational Structure (Source: Annual Local Area Labour Force Survey 2004, Census 2001)

% of employment % of employment Area in high skilled in low skilled jobs jobs England 42.1% 18.8% West Midlands 37.4% 22.5% Wider Context Area 38.4% 21.8% Longbridge TTWA 37.0% 22.4% Longbridge Context Area 37.9% 22.7%

Table 3-4: Skills base of the local workforce (Source: Annual Local Area Labour Force Survey 2004 and Census 2001) % of economically % of economically Area active residents with active residents with NVQ4+ no qualifications England 28.3% 10.5% West Midlands 24.4% 13.2% Wider Context Area 24.1% 13.7% Longbridge TTWA 19.8% 30.1% Longbridge Context Area 24.2% 28.5%

3.23 A degree of skills forecasting has been undertaken for the South West of Birmingham area and this is detailed below for NVQ’s in Figure 3-7.

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Figure 3-7: Birmingham & Solihull - Demands for Workforce Qualifications to 2015

NVQ Level 4/5

NVQ Level 3

NVQ Level 2

NVQ Level 1

No Quals

-40000 -20000 0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 140000 160000

3.24 Birmingham is a significant centre for financial and professional services, but nevertheless 30% of staff in the sector have no formal qualifications, despite half the workforce being qualified to NVQ level 4/5 or above. Critical skills shortages are emerging at levels 2 and 3 and links to apprenticeships are limited. FE currently is able to supply only 23% of the potential demand for intermediate skills training in the sector.

3.25 The forecast shows 35% growth in jobs requiring level 3 and level 4 qualifications but 40% reduction in the number of jobs requiring no qualifications. For people who lack qualifications, job opportunities are expected to decline.

3.26 Employment growth in high-skill occupations is forecast to be very strong throughout the sub-region. However, with employment demand outside Birmingham forecast to outstrip the growth in the working age population, the supply of in-commuters will not be available to match this demand.

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Figure 3-8

8.00%

6.00%

4.00%

2.00% ProportionalChange 0.00% B'ham & Cov & Black Hereford & Shropshire Staffs West Mids -2.00% Sol Warw Country Worcs

-4.00% Projected change in working age pop 2004-2015

-6.00% Projected change in employment demand 2001- 2012

3.27 Whilst the skills base in the city as a whole is improving, the number of adults without any qualification remains large (21% in 2002), 70% of the long term unemployed have not undertaken any learning in the last year and 90,000 residents have basic skills needs.

3.28 A number of wards in the Longbridge Context Area have literacy and numeracy levels significantly below the national average. These include:

Bartley Green (21.6% with low/very low literacy, 25.9% with low/very low numeracy), Kings Norton (13.7% with low/very low literacy, 20.5% with low/very low numeracy), Longbridge (20.7 % with low/very low literacy, 26.2% with low/very low numeracy), Weoley (23.3% with low/very low literacy, 26.8% with low/very low numeracy) – compared with 15% and 12% nationally.

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Key employment sectors

3.29 The Annual Business Inquiry Workplace analysis data suggests that in 2005, Longbridge TTWA’s economy constituted of 199,324 jobs 4. Employment in the area expanded by 2.9% between 2000 and 2005 compared to a 3.9% growth achieved in West Midlands. With regards to broad industrial sectors, Distribution, hotels & restaurants account for nearly 23% of the jobs in the local economy. Public administration, education & health also account for more than 32% of the Longbridge TTWA’s employment. This is much higher than the national average. It is worth noting that employment in Public administration, education & health has expanded locally between 2000 and 2005 by 45%, more than twice the rate achieved nationally. Although Distribution, hotels & restaurants jobs covered almost a quarter of the local economy, employment in this sector fell by 2.6%.

3.30 Employment in other service sectors such as Transport & Communication and Banking, finance & insurance etc sectors are underrepresented in the Longbridge TTWA. Employment in these sectors also fell between 2000 and 2005, by 8.7% and 3.7% respectively. Nevertheless it should be noted that these sectors accounted for 3.7% and 15.5% of the area’s total employment, which mirrors the national and regional figures. Within Longbridge TTWA’s the Distribution, hotels and restaurants service sector has also contracted in terms of employment numbers between 2000 and 2005, whilst there has been growth at national and regional level in this sector over the same time period.

4 Due to the changing wards boundaries for 2000 and 2005 employment data, a similar analysis for Longbridge Context Area provides a distorted analysis. In particular, the data suggests that employment in the area has increased three fold from 53,535 to 167,463. The key sectors accounting for a phenomenal change in employment in the area include Banking Finance & Insurance, Distribution and Public Administration. On the contrary, employment in the manufacturing sector appears to have declined marginally over the 5 year period.

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Table 3-8: Local Employment Profile (Source: Annual Business Inquiry workplace analysis 2000 & 2004, NOMIS)

Change in Change in Location Quotient: % of total % of total employment employment Longbridge TTWA employment in employment between 2000 between Industrial Sectors (Broad SICs) benchmarked Longbridge in England and 2005: 2000 and against England TTWA in 2005 in 2005 Longbridge 2005: (2005) TTWA England Agriculture and fishing 0.1% 0.2% 5.0% -3.7% 23.0% Energy and water 0.3% 0.5% 9.6% -28.9% 63.8% Manufacturing 16.1% 11.2% -29.3% -22.4% 144.0% Construction 4.7% 4.5% 31.0% 9.5% 103.7% Distribution, hotels and restaurants 23.1% 24.4% -2.6% 5.0% 94.4% Transport and Communication 3.7% 6.2% -8.7% 2.4% 59.9% Banking, finance and insurance 15.5% 21.5% -3.7% 10.0% 72.3% Public administration, education & health 32.1% 26.4% 44.8% 17.4% 121.6% Other services 4.5% 5.2% 0.5% 8.2% 87.2% Total 100.0% 100.0% 2.9% 4.7% -

3.31 Manufacturing is a particular sphere of economic activity where the Longbridge TTWA seems to have a strong specialisation. However, the sector appears to be declining at a faster rate than nationally. A significant yet struggling automotive cluster in the area can, to some extent, account for such trends for the area’s manufacturing sector. However, a sectoral analysis at broad sector level can’t verify such assertions. Hence, the following paragraphs demonstrate the contributions of this key sector of the local economy.

Automotive Sector of the Longbridge TTWA

3.32 The automotive cluster for the purpose of this analysis is defined in terms of two digit Standard Industrial Classifications, and includes: • Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers; • Manufacture of transport equipment; • Sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles; retail sale of automotive fuel.

3.33 The Annual Business Inquiry data suggests that employment in the Longbridge TTWA’s automotive sector was 12,124 in 2005 and accounted for 6.1% of the total jobs in the area. In comparison, the sector accounted for less than 3.3% of total

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employment in England in 2005. The number of automobile base jobs within the Longbridge TTWA 5 has declined by 15% over the period 2000-2005, a figure more twice the decline level witnessed nationally in the automotive sector over the same period.

Table 3-5: Automotive Sector in Longbridge (Source: Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis 2000 & 2005, NOMIS)

Employment in Employment in Longbridge Automotive Cluster 2000 2005 Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers 7,910 7,681 Manufacture of transport equipment 737 84 Sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and 5,591 4,359 motorcycles; retail sale of automotive fuel Total Employment in the Automotive Sector 14,238 12,124 Employment in Automotive Sector as a % of total 7.4% 6.1% employment in Longbridge TTWA

3.34 As highlighted in the Closure of MG Rover: Economic Impact Assessment , until March 2005 MG Rover and its suppliers accounted for a significant proportion of the employment in the Longbridge TTWA’s automotive sector. The report suggests that MG Rover alone employed roughly 6,000 people, a significant proportion of which were located within the Longbridge TTWA.

3.35 The report also suggests that MG Rover spent around £835m in the supply chain in the UK of which around £410 was in the West Midlands. Further, the report suggests that the closure of the former MG Rover plant and the inherent dependency of a range of automotive suppliers puts a further 2,400 jobs at risk.

5 The ABI Employee Analysis (and Workplace Analysis) data for Longbridge Context Area suggests that employment in the local automotive cluster declined from 7,565 in 2000 to 2,963 in 2005. The increasing overall employment in the area and a shrinking automotive cluster suggests a reduced relative significance of the automotive cluster in the context area. However, it should be noted that the Closure of MG Rover: Economic Impact Assessment, Stage 1 Report states that by July 2005 around 5,400 MG Rover Group workers had been made redundant, with a significant proportion being employed at Longbridge plant. The jobs in the MG Rover dealerships directly owned by the group outside the Longbridge Context Area could be accountable for the discrepancy.

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Forecasts

3.36 Whilst manufacturing is forecast to remain an important part of the economy of Birmingham, new sectors are becoming important as sources of jobs. The demand has two main sources, employment growth and replacement labour. Figure 3-9 below forecasts changes in demand for labour by industrial sector between 2003 and 2015 across the West Midlands.

Figure 3-9 Birmingham & Solihull - Employment Forecasts by Sector

60

50

40

Thousands 30

20 2010-2015 2003-2010 10

0

-10 Utilities Primary & Logistics -20 Leisure Transport & Transport & Fin Prof, Industries & Creative & Construction Health, Care Health, Bus Services Bus Retail Hosp & Hosp Retail Public Sector, Public Manufacturing -30

3.37 In summary, overall employment is set to increase by nearly 37,000 additional jobs by 2015. The key growth sectors are forecast to be: • Professional, Financial and Business Services with 50,000 additional jobs • Transport and Logistics with 15,000 additional jobs • Public Sector, Health, Care and Creative Industries with 12,000 additional jobs • Retail, Hospitality and Leisure with 10,000 additional jobs.

3.38 Although an increase of 16% in manufacturing output is forecast for 2015, a further decline of 11,000 jobs in this sector is expected. With the impact of demographic change there is forecast to be a need for over 200,000 new recruits to the labour market by 2015 with 80% of these jobs in the form of replacement demand. There is

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forecast to be a major shift in the occupational mix with 50,000 more managerial, professional and specialist technical jobs and 30,000 fewer routine unskilled, operative jobs. Figure 3-10 provides some information below.

Figure 3-10: Birmingham & Solihull - Employment Forecasts by Occupation

30

25

20

Thousands 15

10 2010-2015 5 2003-2010

0 l al -5 ive n vices ect er Trades cal/Sec Technica -10 Operatives Prot Managerial mer S al/ Cleri Professio o t/Skilled Routine/Unskilled raf -15 Person C

Sales/Cust

3.39 The Central Technology Belt – operational since 2003 – is an initiative backed by regional partners to develop high technology renaissance along the A38 corridor. It seeks to attract high technology/high knowledge businesses attracted to the corridor by the availability of knowledge bases including the universities, science parks and a high proportion of graduates. As the belt develops there will be an expanding need for education and training at technician level both in direct and support services. This is a niche that the college is well placed to fill.

3.40 The occupational base of Longbridge Context Area and Longbridge TTWA with above average proportion of low skilled jobs might impact on the areas’ average wage rates. Like the Labour Force Survey, the smallest geographical areas covered by the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings are local authorities. In the absence of any ward level data, it is inappropriate to estimate the average wage rates achieved in the Longbridge TTWA. This said, some of the most disadvantaged communities in England in terms of income deprivation are located within the Longbridge TTWA and Longbridge Context Area (see Figure 3-11).

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Figure 3-11: Income Deprivation in Longbridge TTWA (Source: IMD 2004, ODPM)

Quality of life Issues

3.41 Individuals and communities can be deprived in many different ways. Through use of data for certain specific domains of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation, the previous sections demonstrates that some communities in the Longbridge TTWA, particularly those in the Longbridge Context Area, are deprived not least in terms of income, employment, education and skills conditions. This section reviews the extent of social deprivation, in terms of health, crime and living environment, in the Longbridge Context Area.

Health

3.42 Health conditions of an area’s residents certainly provide a good indication of the quality of life locally. The Census 2001 data is a good starting point for assessing the health of residents in the Longbridge Context Area. The data suggests that some 18.8% of residents in the Longbridge Context Area suffer from a limiting long term

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illness compared to the 17.3% nationally. Further, the data also suggests that some 10% of residents in Longbridge Context Area consider their health as ‘not good’, compared to less than 9% nationally.

Table 3-6: Health condition (Source: Census 2001, NOMIS) % of residents whose % of residents with Areas general health is ‘not limiting ling term good’ illness England 8.8% 17.3% West Midlands 9.5% 18.3% Longbridge Context Area 10.2% 18.8%

3.43 In the absence of any life expectancy data for the Longbridge Context Area, data for Birmingham and Bromsgrove local authorities can be used as a proxy. In 2003, life expectancy data for both male and female residents of Birmingham was less than the national and regional averages. In comparison, life expectancy for both genders in Bromsgrove was higher than national and regional estimates. Such trends suggest a difference in health conditions of population bases of the 2 neighbouring local authorities.

Table 3-7: Life expectancy at birth: 2001 – 2003 (Source: Neighbourhood Statistics)

Areas Males Females

England 76.1 80.7 West Midlands 75.6 80.4 Birmingham 73.9 79.7 Bromsgrove 77.7 81.1

3.44 The ‘health’ domain of IMD 2004 identifies areas with relatively high rates of people who die prematurely or whose quality of life of life is impaired by poor health or those who are disabled. The results of the ‘health’ domain of the IMD 2004 also suggest a differentiation in the health conditions of the two local authorities. In particular, within the Longbridge Context Area, residents based in Birmingham appear to be suffering from health deprivation compared to those based in the Bromsgrove.

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Figure 3-12: Health deprivation in Longbridge Context Area (Source: IMD 2004, ODPM)

Crime

3.45 The crime figures for this baselining exercise have been sourced from the Home Office. This data is based on the crime figures recorded every year by all police forces in England and Wales for their respective Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs). In the absence of any data for Longbridge or the context area, the Home Office crime figures for financial year 2006/7 for Birmingham acts as a suitable proxy.

3.46 The data reveals that the area covered by Birmingham City Council suffers significantly from higher rates of crime than is the national average across England and Wales. Offences for robbery in Birmingham occurred 2.7 times more than they did across England and Wales in 2006/7; likewise theft of motor vehicles occurred 1.5 times more than the national average.

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Table 3-8: Crime in Birmingham 2006/07 (Source: Home Office Statistics) Birmingham City English & Wales Offence Council average Offences per 1,000 Population Sexual offences 1.5 1.1 Robbery offences 5 1.9 Theft of a motor vehicle offences 5.3 3.6 Theft from a vehicle offences 11.1 9.3 Violence against the person 26.3 19.3 Offences per 1,000 Households Burglary dwelling offences 8 6.4

3.47 Within Birmingham offences committed for burglary were 45% higher than across the rest the England and Wales, whilst theft from motor vehicles was recorded as being higher by 46%, and sexual offences were 40% higher than the national average. Violent offences committed in Birmingham were 36% higher than the national average.

3.48 The ‘crime and disorder’ theme of IMD measures the incidence of recorded crime in terms of burglary, theft, criminal damage and violence at super output area level. Hence the data for ‘crime and disorder’ domain of the IMD 2004 is the most appropriate source for identifying hot spots of crime within the Longbridge Context Area. Unlike the results of the health domain, the findings of the ‘crime and disorder’ theme of IMD suggests that most parts of the Longbridge Context Area suffer from high levels of crime.

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Figure3-13: Crime deprivation in Longbridge Context Area (Source: IMD 2004, ODPM)

Living environment

3.49 The ‘living environment’ domain of IMD 2004 focuses on deprivation with respect to the characteristics of an area’s ambience. It comprises of two sub-domains: the 'indoors' living environment which measures the quality of housing and the 'outdoors' living environment which contains two measures - air quality and road traffic accidents. The findings of IMD 2004 highlight the fact that most urban settlements within the Longbridge Context Area, particularly those in Birmingham, have some of the worst indoor and/or outdoor living environment in the country. These results align well with the findings of the analysis on conditions of the housing stock in the Longbridge Context Area.

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Figure 3-14: Deprivation in Longbridge Context Area: Living Environment (Source: IMD 2004, ODPM)

Summary Key economic conclusions for the Longbridge TTWA include: • Loss of nearly 6,000 jobs within the Longbridge TTWA due to closure of MG Rover and the impacts on its suppliers • Historically, good levels of labour market participation rates which will be impacted due to the closure of former MG Rover, not least in terms of increasing claimant count rates and level of job seeker allowance claimants • Nearly half of the resident economically active population in the Longbridge TTWA has no qualification. In addition, above average levels of the employees in the area have historically engaged in low skilled jobs. • Poor skills base and an occupational structure skewed towards the low skilled jobs suggest high levels of skills and income deprivation in the area. Loss of employment due to closure of the former MG Rover plant

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and its associated impacts could further perpetuate various forms of economic deprivation within the area • Distribution, hotels and restaurants and public administration are the key sectors of the local economy. The strong presence of the automotive cluster in the past also meant that the area had above- average levels of employment in the manufacturing sector. Further, there appears to be under-representation of value-adding business and financial services sectors in the area. • The manufacturing sector in the Longbridge TTWA has been declining at a faster rate in the Longbridge TTWA than nationally. The closure of MG Rover might further increase this rate of decline. Additionally, the under-represented business services sector is also declining. • Forecast demand for higher skilled workers within the South West Birmingham area

The Indices of Multiple Deprivation (2004) suggests that certain communities in the Longbridge Context Area, particularly those which lie within the boundaries of Birmingham City Council, suffer from a very high level of social and economic deprivation. Some key factors leading to economic deprivation may include poor economic activity levels, high unemployment, poor skills base, an occupational structure dominated by low skilled jobs and below average wage rates. Some key social problems presently faced by the some local communities include high incidence of crime and poor health. In addition, most parts of Longbridge Context Area appear to provide one of the worst living environments in England presently.

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4 LOCAL NETWORKS , PROJECTS AND PRIORITIES

Local networks and projects

4.1 With the closure of MG Rover, a number of employment, skills and training initiatives have been developed to assist local people through often difficult periods of change. These projects often built upon existing initiatives and programmes. A summary of the key initiatives in the South Birmingham area detailed below:

Bournville College

4.2 Over the past two years, Bournville’s Working for Jobs team at the Hollymoor Centre has supported over 1000 ex-MG ROVER workers and unemployed residents in South West of Birmingham. Over 400 of these people have found jobs. This project has been in partnership with Job CentrePlus and the Learning and Skills Council. Through working particularly closely with JCP staff and community partners locally, the project has been successful; the number of people successfully engaged in training, developing their skills and enabling them to get back into employment has been maximised. The team have organised training, leading to employment in sectors ranging from security, construction, forklift, L.G.V., administration, retain, hospitality, leisure courses and self employment.

Community Network South West (CNSW)

4.3 The CNSW Programme remit is around Community Economic Development (CED), working specifically with communities affected by the closure of MG Rover to bring about economic regeneration. The programme has supported a range of community and voluntary organisations delivering community economic initiatives through the scheme Equip and Enable fund. Organisations based in the priority wards located in the south west area of Birmingham can bid for funds up to £15,000 for project development.

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MG Rover Community Development Project

4.4 The MG Rover Community Development Project has implemented a Community Training Programme offering stepping stone, locally based training opportunities i.e. youth, community, play and sport aimed at local people. In the last few year years this has particularly been targeted at those affected by the MG Rover Closure.

Longbridge Advice and Resource Centre

4.5 The Longbridge Advice and Resource Centre (LARC) has been targeting people who are long term unemployed and need a suite of services to enable them to compete in the current job market. These include employment advice and preparatory works such as first rung training. The LARC has been working in the South West area of Birmingham for the past 14 years providing employment advice services to all residents.

Northfield Town Centre Partnership’s One Stop Shop

4.6 Northfield Town Centre Partnership’s One Stop Shop provides an easily accessible, welcoming and friendly environment for those seeking work to access a range of support services, aimed at helping people get back in to work. There are some specific programmes aimed at Lone Parents’ that are being delivered by A4E, Pertemps and Freshwinds. Learn Direct also use the shop to assist people in developing CV’s and other skills.

UPLIFT Project

4.7 The Northfield and Longbridge Local Centres UPLIFT Project commenced a package of business support in January 2007, for businesses located within the Northfield Town Centre and Longbridge shopping parades. The support included a series of surveys with businesses and visitors, mystery shoppers, free and low cost advertising,

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assistance with clean ups, sourcing suppliers etc. The project staff work closely with NTCP, and are based within the one stop shop.

Freshwinds

4.8 Following an analysis of need and gaps in existing services, Northfield Constituency commissioned ‘Freshwinds’, a local voluntary organisation to undertake an out-reach project aimed at people over 50 on Incapacity Benefit to refer into existing services to access work and training. The project met its targets in terms of client contact and referrals and made recommendations about the organisation and operation of such targeted out-reach services.

Projects with young people

4.9 The Connexions Service for south west Birmingham has pro-actively accessed a variety of funding sources to run successful short-term programmes designed to ‘hot- house’ groups of NEET (not in employment, education or training) young people towards training and work focusing in each programme on a particular profession. Northfield Constituency together with the Connexions Service and Bournville College has also been running a very successful Neighbourhood Caretaker Apprenticeship Scheme in Frankley for local NEET young people.

Birmingham Chamber

4.10 Between November 2006 and the end of March 2007 Birmingham Chamber were funded by AWM to implement a business support programme in south west Birmingham to contact businesses in the area to link them into existing support programmes, to set up local business forums and to provide in depth mentoring to some businesses. In addition to support being provide to Northfield Town Centre Partnership, initial steps were made to establish forums in Kings Norton and Weoley Castle.

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Bournville College – Enterprise Development

4.11 Bournville College’s ‘Safe Enterprise’ project aims to develop and support Social Enterprises in the South West area of Birmingham, in a safe environment whilst forming and encouraging partnerships along the way. The project is required to achieve outputs in the areas of business start-ups, businesses supported and volunteers supported. The project is managed and delivered by the Business Development Team at the College. Who are now located on the old Rover site at Longbridge in the newly built innovation centre.

Emerging Priorities

4.12 The Longbridge Plant was an important feature in the economic base of the West Midlands for almost 100 years. Of course, it delivered more than jobs, and had a key role to play in sustaining communities and supporting local skills development and training. Since the collapse of MG Rover in April 2005, a proactive approach has been taken by various organisations to supporting local labour, skills and business development. Some of these initiatives are listed above. It is important that the AAP provides the right opportunities to build upon these local initiatives and creates the necessary platform for local re-skilling, employment, education and training. This means not only the provision of a suitable mix of land uses with associated employment but also the supporting structures to assist local people with obtaining new opportunities as part of the implementation of the AAP. There are a number of distinct themes, which the AAP will need to tackle head-on:

Local Labour and Skills Uplift

4.13 It is clear from the findings earlier in this report that there is still much to do to tackle pockets of relatively low skills and employment levels to be found within the Longbridge Context Area, TTWA and South Birmingham Area. The plan will need to set out clear objectives and priorities for supporting local labour, training and skills development.

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4.14 The Longbridge site also presents an opportunity to contribute towards the wider regional re-skilling agenda through the establishment of high technology and knowledge based businesses. This also presents the possibility of working with further and higher education providers.

4.15 Considerable effort over the last few years has been applied to working with NEETS and other ‘hard to reach’ potential employment groups. The plan will also need to pay attention to supporting social inclusion and tackling issues effecting marginalised groups.

Enterprise and business support

4.16 The existing work in South Birmingham has identified real opportunities to continue to build a more enterprising culture within the area. This means: • Furthering the development of social enterprises • Growing more indigenous ‘for profit’ businesses • Establishing suitable support mechanisms and range of resources to assist the development of various enterprises

Physical spaces

4.17 The plan will need to consider and create the right mix of physical space for micro and small businesses across the development (retail, technology, creative etc). This could translate to the provision of shared facilities, business start-up and incubator space, live-work units and specialised technology space.

Working within Communities

4.18 There are a growing number of neighbourhood and town centre management models which have proved successful in tackling local skills and training development. There are clear opportunities for the AAP to explore initiatives in this area, including local neighbourhood warden and tenant involvement programmes.