The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is one of 12 members of the Inclusive Growth Network, a new initiative hosted by the Centre for Progressive Policy and the only London Council involved.
Barking and Dagenham Council today announced its membership of a new network of councils and combined authorities leading the drive for an inclusive economic recovery across the UK. The Inclusive Growth Network is a new initiative hosted by the Centre of Progressive Policy, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and supported by the Royal Society of Arts (the RSA) and Metro Dynamics.
With the coronavirus crisis exacerbating economic and social challenges across the country, the network will act as an incubator for new ideas and policies designed to reduce inequalities, alleviate poverty and improve productivity within communities, during the COVID-19 crisis and thereafter.
As a member of the Inclusive Growth Network, Barking and Dagenham Council will have access to peer-to-peer and tailored support (including research and implementation advice) to help address individual challenges and opportunities within its communities and deliver on plans to improve the local economy. Key priorities for the council will include focusing on new solutions to address delivery of good jobs for residents, growth and green infrastructure.
Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said: “We are really proud to be one of 12 local authorities to be invited to participate in the network. This is further confirmation that we are not only London’s growth opportunity, but that we are at the forefront of driving growth not just for our borough but across London.
“As we begin the journey to recovery, we are determined more than ever in Barking and Dagenham that no one will be left behind as we continue to work closely with and support local businesses and our residents to grow our borough.”
Charlotte Alldritt, Director of the Centre for Progressive Policy, said: “Inequality in the UK has been growing for decades but the case for inclusive growth has never been stronger than it is today. The public health and economic emergency has intensified regional discrepancies, put added pressure on local government finances and public services, and exposed the weaknesses of our overly centralised policymaking processes.
National policies are simply too blunt an instrument to tackle complex economic and social challenges alone. Our recovery needs to be guided by local leaders, who best understand the issues facing their communities, whether those are job losses, skills shortages or problems accessing health and social care.
The first of its kind, the Inclusive Growth Network will help leaders to work together, share ideas and showcase the brightest solutions to the most pressing challenges, so that everyone can contribute to and benefit from economic recovery and growth.”
Helen Barnard, Acting Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said: “This year has shown us that even if we are in the same boat, not everyone is equally able to weather the economic storms we are faced with. The impacts of COVID-19 have fallen most heavily on those who were already struggling to stay afloat, and local economies that had already fallen behind.
“As we look towards recovery it is essential that existing poverty does not become more entrenched and local areas can rebuild their local economy to work for everyone. Local leadership can ensure that the response is tailored effectively to the specific needs of people in different parts of the country.
“This network will support local and combined authorities to share knowledge about what works and try out new ways of strengthening their local economies. By implementing new approaches and learning from each other, leaders can prevent the worst economic effects of the pandemic from hitting those who are least able to weather the storm and remodel their local economy to boost living standards and productivity.”
Barking and Dagenham is one of twelve member areas forming the Inclusive Growth Network. Other members include:
- Belfast City Council
- Bristol City Council
- Cardiff Council
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Glasgow City Council
- London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
- North Ayrshire Council
- North of Tyne Combined Authority
- Leeds City Council
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Sheffield City Region Combined Authority
- West Midlands Combined Authority
Further information on the IGN can be found on Twitter @IGN_tweets.