News-An economic boost for County Durham

Our Cabinet members are set to hear how our Inclusive Economic Strategy is helping to boost the county's economy and create a wide range of opportunities for residents, when they meet next week.

The strategy, which was launched in December 2022, aims to create more and better jobs in an inclusive, green economy.

Ambitious plans to benefit residents 

The bold and ambitious long-term strategy recognises the challenges and opportunities across the county and seeks to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from economic growth.

Since the strategy's associated Delivery Plan was adopted in late 2023, more than 150 actions have already been implemented with partners across the county.

In order to future-proof the economy, we have supported training courses for green jobs in emerging sectors and businesses and provided continued support for businesses to adopt energy and cost-saving technologies.

Countywide investments

We're also investing in the county's electric vehicle charging infrastructure to help reduce air pollution and encourage residents to choose electric vehicles, including in rural locations. This is alongside significant investment in walking and cycle route improvements and public transport to encourage people to use their cars less frequently.

Meanwhile, more than 2,000 residents have benefitted from employability support and more than 200 businesses have been supported through the Durham Business Growth Programme and new business premises.

Strategic business parks across the county have also received a boost of investment. This includes the expansion of NETPark in Sedgefield, new business space at Integra 61 in Bowburn and the recent announcement of a new logistics park at Forrest Park in Newton Aycliffe.

Other actions have helped to support the regeneration of Bishop Auckland town centre and create new and improved visitor attractions across the county including The Story, Remaking Beamish and Raby Estate.

Development of the Seaham Garden Village is also underway which will create 1,500 new homes plus community facilities for residents.

A growing economy

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "It is fantastic to see the excellent progress that has been made in just one year since the adoption of the Delivery Plan. This is further reflected in broader economic indicators which show our economy is growing in a number of ways.

"However, it is vital that we sustain and improve on this progress between now and 2035. We know that there are still a range of challenges in different parts of the county, including long-term sickness amongst the workforce, which need to be supported through a partnership approach.

"That is why we plan to refresh and update the Delivery Plan this year. It is important to review what is working well and identify any gaps in provision or new needs, as well as opportunities to secure external funding. This will help us to meet our long-term aim of creating more and better jobs and ensure as many people as possible benefit from this growth."

Making significant progress 

Targets set out in the strategy's Delivery Plan include having 13,500 more people in employment by 2035.

Data already suggests that significant progress is being made in relation to the target of creating more jobs and closing the gap with the England average. Between December 2021 and June 2024, the county's employment rate increased from 71 per cent to 72 per cent, with 8,000 more people in work.

Cabinet is recommended to agree the progress update and agree to a formal review of the Inclusive Economic Strategy Delivery Plan this year, alongside partners from the County Durham Economic Partnership.