The Swindon & Wiltshire LEP has welcomed the opportunity to boost its economic growth plans through the next wave of the Government's City Deal proposals.
Following discussions with the Government, Swindon & Wiltshire have been included in a list of 20 cities invited to express an interest in the next round of the City Deal initiative. The Swindon & Wiltshire deal will focus on the three economic zones – the M4 corridor, A303 corridor and A350 crescent – identified by the partnership as having the best potential for jobs and business growth.
The ‘deal’ will see a package of measures put together that will streamline existing processes, encourage smarter cross-government working and align resources – both human and financial – to promote accelerated investment and produce the business opportunities that are needed to kick-start the economy.
The partnership will prioritise its activity to provide the business community with an economic infrastructure that it can invest in with confidence – providing speed, certainty and stability – that will bring quick, positive benefit to Swindon and Wiltshire.
Paul Johnson (pictured), chair of the Swindon & Wiltshire LEP, said: “We are delighted that the message we have been giving to Government about the potential to create high-value, new-economy jobs in our Northern and Southern corridors has been listened to.
"Having the opportunity to work with central and local government to kick-start our economy through this initiative will give a major boost to our ability to reach our ambitious targets, as well as develop our economic infrastructure to deliver benefit to our business base, the workforce and residents of Swindon & Wiltshire.”
City Deals aim to create powerful, innovative cities that are able to shape their economic destinies. The scheme is designed to invest in growth, drive critical infrastructure development, and create new tools to help people get the skills and jobs they need.
