Plans to help grow Calderdale’s economy, boost people’s skills and increase employment will be discussed at the Council’s next Cabinet meeting.
On Monday 11 March 2024, Cabinet Members will consider the refreshed Inclusive Economy Strategy 2024 – 2029 and the new Employment and Skills Framework 2024 – 2029.
Both of these aim to enable everyone to contribute to and benefit from the economy, and to achieve their full potential whatever their starting point.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Towns, Tourism and Voluntary Sector, said:
“We want Calderdale to be a place where people and businesses thrive. A place with a growing economy where people have skills to secure and progress in quality jobs, where businesses can innovate and invest with a workforce that meets their needs, and where we have a financially and environmentally sustainable future.
“This is driven by our priorities for thriving towns and places, reduced inequalities and climate action. Working with our partner organisations across all sectors, we will build and nurture local talent, support the creation of more and better jobs, and increase wages and skills in growing industries such as the ‘green’ sector, digital, advanced manufacturing and our visitor economy.”
The proposed Inclusive Economy Strategy and Employment and Skills Framework recognise national challenges such as the rising cost of living and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding, as well as strengths including Calderdale’s business growth rate being double the national average, having the second highest productivity rates in the region, and strong connections with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to build an inclusive economy at a regional level.
The refreshed Inclusive Economy Strategy 2024 – 2029 has five goals, which will be overseen by the Council and its partners on the Inclusive Economy Board:
- Increased business innovation, enterprise and investment.
- Good work for all, including young people.
- Wealth is created and retained within communities.
- A cleaner and greener economy, fit for the future.
- More people visit, stay, work and live in Calderdale.
The Employment and Skills Framework 2024 – 2029 aims to help achieve these goals, through the new cross-sector Employment and Skills Partnership, by:
- Improving skills, qualifications and connections to education, including enhanced digital skills and skills needed to achieve Calderdale’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2038.
- Clearly linking skills to jobs, especially for young people, such as through careers advice, apprenticeships and work placements.
- Helping businesses with skills and labour shortages to support their resilience and growth.
- Reducing unemployment and economic inactivity by supporting more people into work, including through making connections to health and wellbeing.
- Supporting good jobs progression at work, including reducing gaps in pay compared to national averages.
- Reducing inequalities between different areas and communities.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet meeting will be held on Monday 11 March at Halifax Town Hall from 3pm. The meeting can also be viewed online at https://calderdale.public-i.tv/core/portal/home(external link)
The Vision 2024 for Calderdale aspires to be a place where talent and enterprise thrive. April 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday and there are just two months to go! Get involved on X with #VisionCdale2024 and find out more at www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision