• Swindon & Wiltshire Eco
• Friday January 26 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bath’s new economic plan pledges higher wages and a greener economy

A new economic plan that promises higher wages, boosted productivity, greener businesses and more affordable housing in Bath and North East Somerset will go before the council next week.

The ten-year plan – Building a Fair, Green, Creative and Connected Bath with North East Somerset Economy – sets out a new approach to economic development which prioritises meeting the needs of residents and businesses whilst reducing impacts on our natural resources and environment.

If adopted, it would span the decade from 2024 to 2034, and see a 10-point Delivery Plan which includes increasing local adoption of the Real Living Wage and delivering the Fashion Museum and wider Milsom Quarter Masterplan as a flagship for sustainable development.

The strategy has been produced in close partnership with the local Future Ambition Board (FAB), which brings together key partner organisations in the area, as well as the Western Gateway pan-regional partnership and the West of England Combined Authority

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “In many ways, Bath and North East Somerset’s economy is a success story.

“We have two universities, the Royal United Hospital, thriving market towns, significant businesses, and outstanding heritage and nature sites.

“Our residents are highly qualified, and unemployment is low.

“However, economic growth in our area over the last ten years has been sluggish.

“Because our wages are lower-than-average, many residents struggle with rising housing costs.

“Growing inequalities in health, employment, and education are creating a two-tier economy.

“To break this cycle, we need to pursue a sustainable, inclusive model of growth, particularly in the face of the climate and ecological emergencies.

“Our new economic strategy will deliver this, enabling us to prepare for the future, tackle inequalities and ensure all our area prospers and thrives.”

The plan will be discussed by the cabinet of Bath & North East Somerset’s council next Thursday, February 1.

Pictured: To help achieve a greener economy, the council pledges to work with Bath & West Community Energy to increase awareness of their renewable energy projects and support