Economic Development
At national level the role of ED is primarily mandated by the
Local Government Act 2000 which requires Local Authorities to
"promote and improve economic, social and environmental
well-being...and the quality of life".
At regional level, the Regional Development Agency (Advantage
West Midlands), produces a strategy prioritising certain 'pillars'
and 'clusters' of activity. This sets a broad economic framework
for the region. The close working relationship we have forged with
AWM has been highly advantageous (see below) and puts Bromsgrove in
the forefront of the hi-tech initiatives in this region.
Within Bromsgrove DC, this is underpinned by the following
:-
- Corporate Key Objectives
- Key deliverables within the Sustainable Community
Strategy (Local Strategic Partnership)
- Quantifiable local demand for the Service
In practical terms all these objectives and demands are
distilled into 7 Principal Functions and Strategic Aims over the 3
year period. As with any service, some of these overlap, but stated
fully, they encompass most of the remit of Economic
Development.
- Inward Investment
- Major Projects and Partnerships (NB. Technology Park)
- Indigenous Business Development, Liaison and Lobbying
- New Business Start-ups
- Town Centre Management and retailing initiatives.
- Rural Economy Regeneration and Diversification
- Education and Training
Staffing Structure
The service currently consists of one Manager reporting to
the Director of Planning Services, and an administrative
assistant.
The Economic Development and Town Centre Manager is
responsible for all Strategic and Executive issues and the
Administrative Assistant provides admin. support and carries out
specific delegated tasks.
Legislative Framework and Statutory Factors
As stated above, Economic Development is mandated by the Local
Government Act 2000, which requires local authorities to "promote
or improve economic, social and environmental well-being....and the
quality of life".
For most people financial and material sufficiency is the main
contributor to well-being : it is self-evident that full employment
and prosperity improve the quality of life and conversely that
unemployment and deprivation debase it.
Most local authorities now recognize that economic development
does not happen automatically but needs to be encouraged, supported
and promoted via appropriate projects and initiatives managed by
professional staff.
