Liverpool City Region promoting inclusive economic recovery

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has become one of 12 founder members of the new Inclusive Growth Network, to help forge an inclusive economic recovery.

Launched by the Centre for Progressive Policy, the network is funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and brings together 12 councils and combined authorities who are sharing ideas on how to shape a fairer post-coronavirus economy. The network aims to progress the discussion on how best to reduce  inequalities, alleviate poverty and improve productivity in communities across the UK.

With the coronavirus crisis exacerbating long-standing regional imbalances, the organisations involved will act as a forum to develop, deliver and test new ideas about how local leaders can be at the forefront of discussing ideas on building back better towards a new economy that is fairer greener with enhanced  productivity in their communities, tackling the key social challenges posed during the coronavirus crisis and thereafter.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The coronavirus crisis has not only brought possibly the greatest public health challenge in a generation, it’s also posed questions about how we want to re set our economy and build back better to recovery.

“I want the Liverpool City Region to be the most inclusive, fair and socially just economy in the country. The Inclusive Growth Network will provide a forum to look at how devolution can improve our economy, make decision making closer and more effective and ensure growth works for a truly people focused recovery. I look forward to playing a full part working with the network to take these important ideas forward.”

As well as the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the IGNs membership comprises an initial 12 members from across the UK including Greater Manchester Combined Authority, West Midlands Combined Authority, Glasgow City Council.

Charlotte Alldritt, director at 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.”