Economic Growth Strategy

York has had a clear and consistent economic strategy for many years - to grow higher paid employment by focussing on key sectors, and to bring forward key regeneration sites including York Central and what is now called the Castle Gateway. The results have been good, with significant growth in financial services, professional, scientific and technical employment, and expansion of our Universities. York now has the best qualified working age population in the north, pay above the regional average, and a reputation as one of the best places to live in or visit in the UK. This growth must be supported to continue, however, it is becoming increasingly clear that we must also seek more opportunities for people from all backgrounds to increase their prosperity. At the heart of this approach, as set out in the Council Plan and in a series of papers presented to the Leader, Executive Member for Economy and Economy and Place Scrutiny Committee between July 2019 and February 2020, is a focus on the lived experience of our residents and a new broader economic partnership. In developing a new and inclusive Economic Strategy for York, we are seeking to put the lived experience of residents at the heart of our thinking, and to undertake extensive engagement with residents and businesses to build a strong sense of collaboration in planning for our future. The themes of housing, transport, care and food have been identified through a series of internal workshops, and the strategy will include consideration of the financial impact of these themes. The Economic Strategy Consultation Draft (ESCD), developed as a deck of presentation slides, will form the basis of the engagement. Further information is avilable through YORtender under the reference number: DN467837