Leader’s Policy Statement - June 2015
Click on the link to the Leader’s Policy Statement at Full Council on 9 June 2015.
Webcast archive footage of Sir Albert Bore delivering his policy statement is available here
Download Sir Albert Bore’s speech to Full Council - 9 June 2015 < now checked against delivery
In his foreword, Sir Albert Bore said: This is a year in which Birmingham and the wider region stands poised to grasp economic opportunities not seen for decades. The economy is already outperforming other parts of the country in terms of growth, exports and inward investment and healthy job creation is driving down unemployment. The region is well positioned to exploit its growing role as a global advanced manufacturing hub. It is also beginning to realise its potential as a service centre with close proximity to London and a natural home for entrepreneurs in the hi-tech and creative industries.
Last year I set out a vision for a “Greater Birmingham” which included working with our neighbouring councils to create a powerful force to drive economic growth – a grouping that could then seek devolved powers and funding to enable us to make an even greater regional economic impact. This year we are seeing that vision coming to fruition, with the councils working at great speed to set up the combined authority which I am confident will be in place by this time next year.
Soon, together, we will set out the prospectus for the combined authority, its economic vision and priorities. This administration will remain pro-business, pro-investment and committed to making Birmingham the enterprise capital of the UK.
But, alongside the economic opportunities there remain some difficult social problems and a major funding challenge to our local public services. So far, too few people in this city are benefitting from the recovery. Too many remain jobless and too many suffer from in work poverty through low wages and insecure work. The level of skills in the city remains too low and this is damaging to local growth and global competitiveness.
Click on the link to read the Leader’s Policy Statement in full
