THE new government has made economic growth its overriding mission.
That’s also been mine. Growing the economy is how we improve living standards for everyone and create the wealth we need to help get our public services back on track, and improve things like public transport.
You won’t be surprised to learn that I completely support this national focus on economic growth. As West of England regional mayor, I have a key role in helping the government to deliver this ambition.
Indeed, one of the very first meetings our new Prime Minister held at 10 Downing Street, just four days after being elected, was with all the regional mayors of England.
He wanted to make clear to us the vital role we have to help deliver the new government’s objectives against a backdrop of very, very tough economic circumstances.
Compared to the other regions outside London, the West of England has a very strong economy. We can take pride in that, and the major contribution we make to UK national wealth.
But our wealth is not spread widely or fairly enough locally.
If we harness our untapped potential, our region can become an even greater economic powerhouse, raising living standards right across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.
We already have an important record of delivery across the West of England.
Just last month, the West of England Combined Authority Committee approved £9 million of investment into the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone.
When finished, this site will offer state-of-the-art facilities for new and growing businesses, and create up to 1,300 jobs for local people. Creating jobs outside of the most populated areas will also help ease congestion and shorten people’s commutes.
The Somer Valley is just one of the focussed growth zones that we have in the West of England, along with the West Innovation Arc in South Gloucestershire, Bath to Bristol Corridor and the Severn Estuary. All will be key to local and national wealth creation.
By focusing on our areas of strength, and taking a strategic approach to the infrastructure needs of the region, we can deliver greater returns on investment and attract even more money – private as well as government.
It is also essential that we give all our workforce the skills they require to make full use of the new opportunities.
Through services like Skills Connect, my mayoral combined authority has already helped thousands of local people find training and new jobs.
The government will give me as mayor more new powers over employment and skills, that will allow us to go much further and more quickly.
The progress we’ve made so far across the West of England is good, but I’m determined to use these new mayoral powers and responsibilities to bring about greater economic success in the future – something you, your family, and our region deserve.