The purpose of an Economic Strategy, as prepared by a local Council, is to give an overview of the economy of a local area and to provide an opportunity for the local Council to set out priorities for how it wishes to support the economy. This support can include (a) deploying resources (including staff resources) most effectively, (b) working with local employers and education institutions and (c) linking with, and obtain support from, outside agencies including Government.
Economic strategies can also allow councils to consider how to align economic objectives with other priorities such as responding to climate emergencies. Economic strategies are not land-use planning documents; however, they can support the work of plan-making by helping to shape the local economic priorities which underpin allocations and policies within the Local Plan.
Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick District Councils have decided to produce a joint Economic Strategy for the following reasons:
A 6 week public consultation on the draft Economic Strategy was held between Friday 17 February and Friday 31 March 2023. The consultation has now closed. The consultation document can be viewed below: