Unveiled: Vision for jobs, homes and our economy
KIRKLEES Council has unveiled its economic strategy for the next six years with a focus on business, jobs, homes and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure aimed at turning the borough into “an economic powerhouse.”
The plan, which trumpets the borough’s hoped-for economic success, embraces five priorities - modern and innovative business, skilled and ambitious people, active partnerships, advanced connectivity and infrastructure and revitalised centres - to allow the borough to thrive.
The priorities are: modern and innovative business, skilled and ambitious people, active partnerships, advanced connectivity and infrastructure and revitalised centres.
Part of the authority’s vision is to raise connectivity and infrastructure to the highest standards via securing a Trans-Pennine rail upgrade, a Huddersfield-Dewsbury-Leeds Inclusive Growth Corridor, 10,000 new homes and “excellent” digital and green infrastructure.
Setting out the plan, council leader Clr Shabir Pandor said the strategy “will help us unlock the true potential of Kirklees so we can see our economy thrive.”
He added: “This strategy will work for all of our towns, villages and valleys.
“We are committed to building stronger partnerships across Kirklees and beyond. This strategy gives us the basis for joint action.
“Closer working not just locally, but within the Leeds city region and other cities and towns across the UK, will help us deliver our vision and see Kirklees become an economic powerhouse.”
Clr John Taylor, deputy leader of the Conservative group on Kirklees Council, tore into the administration’s plan and slammed the borough for lagging behind neighbouring authorities.
He described the strategy as little more than “warm words” and said it failed to address the needs of the rural south of the borough.
“We have, in fact, had a missing decade, “he said. “While other neighbouring authorities have been developing and delivering for the their districts, Kirklees has stagnated.
“Even now it sees itself as little more than a dormitory for Leeds and looks only towards Leeds rather than creating its distinctive identity as in the centre of the powerhouses of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield.”
Clr Taylor added that the strategy was “lacking in real ambition” and that the council had projected no business growth rates income during its threeyear budget plans.
“To be fair to business, when faced with the choice between Kirklees and some of its neighbours, why would you choose Kirklees as your base for growth?”
This strategy will work for all of our towns, villages and valleys