‘Substantial scope’ for councils to build inclusive economies

There is ‘substantial scope’ for local authorities to help build more inclusive local economies, according to a new report.

The report by IPPR North and commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) outlines the steps councils are taking to ensure their communities and local economies are more inclusive.

It sets out that councils’ ability to put in place council-wide inclusive policies will depend on future funding arrangements and local flexibility to make key decisions in areas such as skills provision.

‘There is substantial scope for councils to pursue different approaches, strategies, and interventions to build inclusive economies,’ the report states.

‘However, a prerequisite of any focus on inclusive economy is to ensure that it is embedded across the organisation.’

The research also reveals councils wider efforts to ensure public procurement prioritises services and goods provided by organisations in their local area; to provide apprenticeships for local people; to link hard-to-reach groups with employment opportunities; to fund employment support programmes; or improve public transport by creating or expanding cycling networks to enable people to travel in more affordable, environmentally-friendly ways.

‘Throughout the coronavirus pandemic councils across the country have worked hard to ensure that those most impacted by the crisis are able to access the support that they need – whether that be emergency food or supplies, accommodation for rough sleepers, or business rate holidays and grant funding,’ said the chair of the LGA’s city regions board, Sir Richard Leese.

‘The inclusive economies agenda is a key priority for councils and as we begin to consider the type of world we want to see after this deadly virus, councils’ role as place-shapers will assume greater importance than ever before.

‘We need to think radically about how we ensure the future proceeds of any economic reboot and growth benefit the hardest to reach. Now is the moment to re-build our communities, stabilise our local economies and ensure no one is left behind.’

The full report – Building More Inclusive Economies – is available to read here.

Photo Credit – Stevepb (Pixabay)