Buckinghamshire Council bolsters local growth plans with series of key decisions

A number of reports linked to improving prospects for local people and businesses were approved at a meeting yesterday (11 March), including:

• Adult Skills Funding; this decision will progress the council’s Devolution Deal agreed with the previous government which, when formalised, will give the council devolved powers around Adult Education, giving us direct control over this currently held and managed central government budget so we can offer courses where they will most benefit local people and the local area.
• Agreeing a new digital infrastructure and connectivity strategy that will facilitate the further roll out of digital infrastructure improvement across Buckinghamshire
• Agreeing to proceed with ‘Connect to Work’ - a new programme to help local people secure long term employment

Yesterday’s Cabinet decisions demonstrate the council’s overall commitment to local skills, economic growth and regeneration. The county’s Devolution Deal, Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity Strategy and Connect to Work programme will ensure all areas of Buckinghamshire’s community are benefiting from the opportunities of growth in Buckinghamshire. It is also part of a wider Economic Strategy that the council will be bringing forward later this year, that will set out key principles and local governance around how economic growth in Buckinghamshire will be delivered.

These policies and strategies sit alongside activity being co-ordinated by the Buckinghamshire Growth Board and the council’s work under its ‘Regenerating Bucks’ strategy, which is seeing key town centre improvement projects currently underway, such as the White Hart Street scheme in the main shopping area of High Wycombe, and the new Pavilion Quarter development in Aylesbury.

This is a flagship scheme for Buckinghamshire which is significantly progressing on site. The demolition of the old building that occupied the space is nearly complete, clearing the way for the creation of a new link between the High Street and the popular Exchange development. The second phase of the Pavilion Quarter will be for a temporary use while the council develops and engages with the community over the permanent use of the site, which will be developed as a place for independent business to flourish, with potential for live entertainment and cultural events, bringing new routes to better connect the town centre and rejuvenate the high street.

Martin Tett is Leader of Buckinghamshire Council. He said:

“I’m really pleased that we are bringing forward a wide range of policies to build a bright future for our residents. Many of the items in this week’s Cabinet meeting have had a focus on growth and economic prosperity, whether that is getting better digital connections into local homes and businesses, helping people to find long-term employment and working towards greater powers to tailor our adult learning offer to the needs of Buckinghamshire.

"Alongside the exciting developments in our key town centres, I’m really proud of the work we are doing to bolster our local economy which will benefit residents and businesses alike.”

• The county’s Devolution Deal will give the council greater autonomy over aspects of skills and local development.
• The Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity Strategy brings forward a ‘joined up’ and strategic approach to support economic growth and improve connectivity across the county, by maximising broadband coverage, exploring further use of new technology, increasing access to digital connectivity and breaking down current barriers stopping certain areas from being better connected.
• ‘Connect to work’ is a new programme aimed at supporting local people into work who might have specific or complex barriers into employment. As part of the national ‘Get Britain Working’ approach, it’s hoped Buckinghamshire Council will support 700 people over an initial three-year period, aiming to match individuals facing employment barriers with employers who provide suitable and sustainable job opportunities.
• For full details of these policies and strategies, please go to Buckinghamshire council’s website and view the meeting agenda.