Economic Pledge signed by Regional Leaders
Local Authority Leaders came together last week to sign up to a 12 point pledge of action to help the region deal with the effects of the economic downturn. Leaders from the region's Councils, Police Authorities and Fire Authorities signed up to the pledge at the Local Government Yorkshire and Humber (LGYH) Full Member's meeting on 26 February.
The concept of a Pledge emerged following a seminar in December where Local Authority Leaders, Chief Executives and Corporate Directors came together to share learning and good practise in response to the economic downturn. It was decided at the seminar that in presenting a region-wide Pledge of targeted action, Local Government could work together to alleviate some of the hardships caused by the economic downturn, and prepare the region for the upturn when it comes. The Minister for Local Government, John Healey and the Minister for Yorkshire and Humber, Rosie Winterton attended the economic downturn seminar and contributed to the discussions.
In signing up to the Pledge Local Authorities are stating that wherever possible
- we will pay promptly
- we will use procurement to ensure we benefit the local economy where we can
- we will support local business to get good information on contracts and opportunities with the Council
- we will support local business to get good information on business support opportunities provided by Business Link and Yorkshire Forward link
- we will notify Council vacancies to Job Centre Plus to ensure people who lose their jobs can be made aware of opportunities with the Council
- we will bring forward refurbishment and maintenance work to help keep businesses going in the downturn
- We will ensure we work to build and promote the skills of our citizens so they are ready to exploit employment opportunities
- we will ensure good access to money advice and debt counselling and housing aid services for local people experiencing difficulties
- we will work to ensure that there are housing options for those in financial difficulty maintaining a flow of affordable housing locally
- we will make sure that regional support agencies are working effectively/flexibly/responsively in our local area to support businesses and individuals
- we will support schools and health providers to make sure families, children and individuals affected by the downturn can get the support they need to deal with their situations
- we will work to develop the local economy in preparation to take up future economic opportunities
Councillor Arthur Barker, Chair of Local Government Yorkshire and Humber and Leader of Hambleton District Council said: 'Local Authority Leaders across the region have a good track record of working together, and it is welcoming that on such an important issue as the economy we have again come together. Across Yorkshire and Humber we have a strong partnership approach that has seen us lead the way on many issues. The Pledge is another example of this and shows how, by joining together we can strengthen some of the areas that in an economic downturn need more focus, such as developing skills for those who have lost or are at risk of losing their jobs.'
The Pledge focuses on how local authorities can help businesses, with housing and by supporting our citizens, who we are committed to helping through these difficult times. By collectively focusing our attention on these issues we can ensure that not only are we prepared for the impact of the economic downturn but are ready to exploit the upturn when it comes.
EU 2020 Going Local Newsletter April 2012. Available here.
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