Leeds launches inclusive growth strategy

Leeds City Council has launched its Inclusive Growth Strategy for 2018-2023, which aims to provide opportunities for all its local citizens.

The new strategy includes 12 ‘big ideas’, which range from doubling the size of the city centre and supporting places and communities to responding to economic change to working together to create better jobs to tackling low pay and boosting productivity.

The new strategy also outlines how the council will work in partnership with businesses, universities, colleges, schools, the community sector and with other partners across the North to attract and retain talent, business, investment and visitors, while ensuring all of its communities benefit.

Another ‘big idea’ includes focuses on backing innovators and entrepreneurs in business and social enterprises.

To implement part of the strategy, the council’s executive board will consider proposals that will aim to protect start up and SME businesses in the creative sector from being priced out of the city centre. It will ensure the area supports a diversity of users, with accessible and affordable spaces for smaller businesses.

In the short term, it is also proposed that the council refurbishes two of its city centre buildings to provide more creative workspaces.

‘Building a strategy that focuses on inclusive growth means giving everyone across the city the chance to benefit from a strong economy,’ said Leeds City Council leader, Cllr Judith Blake.

‘It means increasing skills levels, along with more innovation, better infrastructure, investment in public services, reduced unemployment and increased wages.

‘The Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy and its 12 ‘big ideas’ will reduce inequality in our city and help to ensure Leeds is a compassionate city with a strong economy that provides opportunities for all,’ added Cllr Blake.

‘As an example of this we are dedicated to ensuring Leeds has a city centre with affordable, flexible spaces for new and SME creative businesses. We will work with partners to shape an approach that is inclusive whilst the refurbishment of the council buildings can help to improve the offer for small businesses in the short term.’

To find out more, visit the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy website.