Deputy Leader of the council
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Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills

Councillor Sharon Thompson

The Deputy Leader will act as Council Leader where the Leader is not available and has accountability for the review and improvement of all council services, management of all corporate resources of the council, and oversight of the management of services and delivery of outcomes on:

  • Deputising for the Leader: The Deputy Leader will act as Council Leader where the Leader is not available.
  • Economic growth and jobs:  Strategic approach to economic growth and regeneration programmes and strategic planning policy.
  • Employment & Skills: Skills, expansion for key growth sectors enterprise and innovation along with Lifelong Learning (post-14 skills and adult education). Provision of all-age guidance, skills development, training and work experience to meet the economic needs of the city now and in the future.
  • Employment Opportunities: Enabling all residents to access employment through the development and delivery of local employment plans.
  • Skills and Entrepreneurship in Schools: From the portfolio of the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families
  • Business Improvement Districts: Partnerships with the Business Improvement Districts, including city centre management opportunities.
  • Major Sporting Events and Events Development: Advised by the Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage & Tourism
  • Promotion of the city and inward investment: Working in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism for the promotion of the city. Promotion of Birmingham regionally, nationally and internationally.
    • This includes work with partners such as West Midlands Growth Company, the universities, and cultural organisations of citywide, regional, or national significance.
    • Marketing strategies to encourage investment in Birmingham.
  • Major Projects: Responsibility for major physical regeneration and infrastructure projects in the city and engagement with key economic growth partners, partnerships, and investors.
  • Levelling-Up & Devolution: This will include making appropriate arrangements for the Council’s response and review to changes in the WMCA constitution, consultation and devolution deals.
  • Cost-of-Living
  • Council land use and property assets including appropriation: Oversight of the Council’s land use and property strategy and asset management plan including framework for reuse, disposal and requisition of land and property in the Council’s priorities – including assets of heritage and community value.
    • Including oversight of Council owned land and property facilities, amenities and services including markets.
  • Land Use Planning:  Local Development Plan, Neighbourhood Plans, Development Briefs and Supplementary Guidance; including advice to Planning Committee.

Page last updated: 23 May 2024

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