Press Release: Building an inclusive economy in Kirklees

Kirklees joins a growing list of progressive councils and wider anchor institutions who are committed to building an inclusive economy. Work will now begin in earnest, focusing on the Council’s procurement and anchor activity to achieve greater local economic, social and environmental benefit.

Over the last 10 years, CLES has worked with a number of local authorities and wider anchor institutions such as universities, housing associations and the NHS, to undertake wealth building activities. Spanning procurement, employment, use of assets and deepening democracy, CLES’s work here aims to achieve wider social and economic value from anchor activity across each of the areas.

Local wealth building in Kirklees will focus initially on procurement to help invest more of the Council’s current spend inside the local economy. It will also involve speaking to other local anchors such as the University, College, and big local businesses about their appetite to work together to build local wealth and improve well-being.

Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies said:

‘The network and movement of local authorities taking forward a local wealth building approach continues to grow. CLES are delighted to be collaborating with the political leadership, Kirklees Council and other anchors in the area to make an inclusive economy a reality.’

The Leader of Kirklees Council, Councillor Shabir Pandor stated:

“On behalf of the Council I feel very positive that we are embarking on this progressive programme of work with CLES, which will undoubtedly benefit our local economy. It will support the growth of local business, community groups, and the voluntary sector across the district, as well as helping to improve the wellbeing of our residents and tackle deprivation, where it exists, in our communities.”

Read more.