Economic Development Strategy & Action Plan 2024 - 2028
South Kesteven needs to decide which path it takes regarding economic sustainability to impact not only the present generation but also those that follow. This requires a strategic approach in which present policy and economic activity are made more resilient to future uncertainty.
Residents, businesses, community groups, Government, Town and Parish Councils, and education and skills providers have a vital role to play in shaping tomorrow's world, creating the platform for a sustainable future.
Growing public concern has resulted in a tightening of regulations in areas such as CO2 emissions, closed- loop recycling and gender inequality. Whilst no one can predict the future, it is possible to picture what South Kesteven will look like in the next four years.
For South Kesteven District Council, sustainability is gaining a place high on the Corporate Plan agenda. It is all about thinking ahead. Anticipating change and preparing for it well in advance, to ensure South Kesteven keeps its well-preserved architecture, heritage, accessibility of open spaces and sense of community. Shaping a future that is liveable, equitable and environmentally secure.
The next four years will bring new opportunities, yet there will be challenges. In navigating the uncertain terrain that lies ahead it is essential the ambitions for the South Kesteven economy are followed through.
The Corporate Plan (2024 to 2028) details the core focus of the work of the Council, setting out what the authority wants to achieve. In recognising the importance of 'enabling economic opportunity', the Council will work to enable and support a dynamic, resilient, and growing local economy, which benefits all our communities.
This means supporting towns to be places of pride, ensuring residents have the skills needed to secure quality job opportunities in businesses of all sizes and sectors, and helping young people to access career pathways across a diverse range of industries. In practice, this will see the Council collaborating with a variety of organisations to provide a structured approach to investment, supporting business growth and unlocking development opportunities.
The Council takes its role as a key enabler seriously. However, the Council cannot shape the future of South Kesteven alone. Listening better, sharing and harnessing the knowledge, expertise and passion of individuals, communities and academia will be at the heart of a new transparent and open relationship between the Council, residents and businesses.
This means taking time to engage the local voluntary and community sector, coupled with extensive community, business, industry and academia engagement to learn from and engage in everything - from policy development to service delivery.
External resources will be harnessed to ensure the Council is making use of national programmes, research, grant funding and sharing learning with neighbouring areas.
This strategy sets out a series of commitments being made by the Council about how it will work differently in the future. The best is yet to come. Please read on to find out how the Council is going to help South Kesteven build, renew and reinvent our great District.
Councillor Ashley Baxter, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economic Development