We aim to create a dynamic local economy providing good, secure jobs and enabling businesses to thrive.
- Boosting Investment – we will
- Campaign for the Heart of Wessex to be included in the next tranche of devolution. Formed from Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset and the Bournemouth conurbation, this combined authority with an elected mayor will unlock devolved powers and budgets from central government, with a focus on economic development.
- Devolve decision-making down to local levels as far as possible within the strategic authority.
- Deliver investment into every town in the region – no place should get left behind.
- Creating the right infratructure – we will
- Develop small-scale enterprise centres, business parks and manufacturing hubs, through the planning system backed by devolved investment funds.
- Market land set aside for commercial use energetically to prevent its transference to housing use.
- Invest in education, training and skills to support people, our key resource.
- Supporting workers and businesses – we will
- Roll out ultrafast broadband to all parts of the county.
- Set up a Heart of Wessex Investment Bank to provide local capital and support community businesses and cooperatives.
- Transfer the ownership of Wiltshire Council-owned retail units to Town Councils, who understand better local letting strategies and how to support high streets, community and arts spaces.
- Use rate relief and planning protection to support community assets such as pubs and shops, and support the community’s right to buy these assets if at risk.
- Work towards living wage accreditation for Wiltshire Council as an employer and progressively require the Council’s contractors and suppliers to do the same.
- Supporting key sectors – we will
- Use planning and training to encourage growth particularly in the sectors of defence, digital, life science and clean energy.
- Develop the Green Economy by
- working with GB Energy and the National Grid to support renewable energy development.
- Supporting community energy initiatives
- Helping homeowners to access grants.
- Supporting suppliers with a trusted trader scheme.
- Support food producers and farmers by
- Setting up a Wiltshire Local Food Network, working with local food producers and sharing costs.
- Helping farmers to diversify through the planning system.
- Supporting farmers’ markets, shops and milk stations to deliver directly to consumers.
- Encouraging the use of local sources by schools and employers.
- Promote the Visitor Economy by
- Restoring funding to VISIT WILTSHIRE promoting tourism.
- Setting up a “Wiltshire Card” for visitors giving free or discounted travel and entry to attractions.
- Expanding networks of trails, footpaths and cycle routes to promote active leisure.
- Helping museums, festivals and the arts with direct grant funding, support in bidding for funds and promotion.
- Supporting new attractions through the planning process.
- Recognise the economic role of the Ministry of Defence by
- Working with the MOD on their infrastructure needs.
- Building local supply chains with the MOD.
- Helping new families of military personnel settling in Wiltshire find schools and employment.
- Supporting veterans through a guaranteed interview scheme for jobs with Wiltshire Council.
- Boosting the local economy - we will
- Support local suppliers and help the local economy thrive through a procurement initiative to ensure that Wiltshire Council spends a higher proportion of its £527M budget locally.
- Encourage other organisations to do the same, e.g. the Ministry of Defence and Wiltshire Police.
