CALDERDALE Council’s work to support economic growth has been given national recognition.
The authority has been highlighted as an outstanding example of how to create jobs and help businesses flourish.
A national report has been produced by the Local Government Association (LGA) and Prof Tony Travers of the London School of Economics and Political Science and Calderdale Council is praised for showing best practice in encouraging new business start-ups.
That has included creating jobs, increasing skills levels, supporting businesses to grow and diversifying into new economic sectors.
In response to the economic recession, the council developed an Economy and Enterprise Strategy and introduced an Economic Task Force to manage a £2.8m fund for small projects to stimulate the local economy.
The projects, delivered in partnership with private and voluntary sector organisations, include Community Asset Transfers, Business Growth Calderdale, Totally Locally, Creative Calderdale and Silver Entrepreneurs.
The council said this has helped create more than 150 new businesses and supported 900 other start-ups, creating over 500 jobs and drawing in private sector investment of over £2.9m
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, Clr Barry Collins, said: “The report to national Government is clear recognition of the work the council is doing to help businesses.
“The funding from the Economic Task Force is being used to great effect and, despite the recession, Calderdale’s economy is showing welcome resilience.
