A focus on economic growth will benefit all

• Published date: 28 September 2022
• Publication title: Courier, The

There is, of course, a level of uncertainty but also opportunity — so why should you care and why vote

When businesses are successful this leads directly to healthier communities. Candidates/councillors need to recognise the role business plays in our local communities and ensure policies and actions from the councils are business-friendly.

We all need a resilient, sustainable, and innovative future and ensuring we enjoy a buoyant economy underpins this. We need councils that facilitate economic growth rather than hinder it and candidates who understand the needs of smaller businesses as well as those of our larger businesses and our communities.

Local government affects every business and every resident.

Although our economy is doing well, these are turbulent times, with shortages of labour, high inflation, supply chain disruption and extra costs and rising compliance requirements.

Businesses have raised the following issues over the last few months seeking to support economic growth.

Severe labour market constraints have impeded the ability for businesses to grow and councils play a key role here. Our districts must be at the forefront of offering competitive and attractive liveable options for new and existing residents.

Core services and infrastructure must operate at first-world standards and adequate planning for growth must be in place. Our districts must be promoted with clear and quantifiable benefits and work to attract businesses and new residents. We must be...