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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.