Inclusive Growth Network launches

Councils, combined authorities and think tanks have joined forces to create a new network to promote inclusive economic growth.

The Inclusive Growth Network has been launched by the Centre for Progressive Policy and funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, with support from the Royal Society of Arts (the RSA) and Metro Dynamics.

It will provide members with access to a package of peer-to-peer and tailored support.

Leaders will be able to draw on examples of successful interventions from across the UK to understand how to deliver the best outcomes in areas like the green growth and healthy communities.

Bristol City Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Leeds City Council are among the authorities to have signed up at the launch.

‘Inequality in the UK has been growing for decades but the case for inclusive growth has never been stronger than it is today,’ said Centre for Progressive Policy director, Charlotte Alldritt.

‘The public health and economic emergency has intensified regional discrepancies, put added pressure on local government finances and public services, and exposed the weaknesses of our overly centralised policymaking processes.

‘National policies are simply too blunt an instrument to tackle complex economic and social challenges alone. Our recovery needs to be guided by local leaders, who best understand the issues facing their communities, whether those are job losses, skills shortages or problems accessing health and social care,’ she added.

‘The first of its kind, the Inclusive Growth Network will help leaders to work together, share ideas and showcase the brightest solutions to the most pressing challenges, so that everyone can contribute to and benefit from economic recovery and growth.’

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham added: ‘A national one size fits all blanket approach does not work when tackling economic issues, we need to find new ways to address social inequalities at a local level which will last far beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘That is why local leaders need to join forces and support each other through the help of the Inclusive Growth Network, ensuring we build back better in a way that takes account of everyone.’

Photo Credit – Free-Photos (Pixabay)