The LGA has launched a guide to help councils work with the private sector, attract investment and support growth.
‘Attracting investment for inclusive growth: a guide for councils’, produced by Henham Strategy for the LGA, was launched at the UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum in Leeds last month.
The guide sets out steps councils can take to strengthen their offer to business, from acting as a ‘single front door’ for investors to using property and regeneration vehicles, development corporations and incentives.
It highlights how councils can bridge viability gaps, de-risk investment and deliver infrastructure to support local growth. The guide focuses on inclusive growth and investment – growth shared more fairly across communities and helping all areas to prosper.
Cllr Carl Cashman, Vice-Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said: “Councils and the private sector are natural partners – both need and support each other, and when they are in sync the return on investment far outstrips what they put in to begin with.
“This guide provides essential knowledge, insight and information about what the private sector needs and expects from local government. Through implementing its findings, councils can create the foundation for further business growth that benefits entire communities.”