29.04.20
Sector leaders unite for West Yorkshire Economy Recovery Board
A new board has been formed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to steer the region’s economy out of the crisis caused by the pandemic.
Business and organisation leaders from across West Yorkshire are uniting to form an Economic Recovery Board to ensure the region is best placed to fightback from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has predicted that the pandemic could cause a 35% fall in GDP in the second quarter of 2020.
The newly announced board (Apr 28) will look at developing strategies and collective action to rebuild the economy, as well as minimising crisis for the most disadvantaged communities and the environment.
The Board will be chaired by Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, and will bring together other council leaders and senior leaders from different sectors, as well as the LEP, business leaders, the police, unions and universities.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said:
“Although the future impact of COVID-19 is still uncertain, we know that the path to a thriving economy that works for everyone is likely to be long and difficult so we need to get started now in planning that. It is going to take a huge collective effort to ensure that West Yorkshire emerges with a sustainable and resilient economy, which is why we are bringing together the leading organisations in our region to fight together for a successful future.
“As we have seen in other recent economic downturns, our region faces particular challenges that mean some people in our society will feel the impact of this pandemic more acutely than others. With over 70% of businesses now reporting having furloughed staff, and with 220,000 people in our region employed in industries that have already been effectively shut down by this crisis, we must act now to protect jobs and livelihoods – particularly in less secure parts of the economy.
“We are already working together through the Local Resilience Forum and other regional partnerships to respond to the immediate crisis. By joining forces through this Economic Recovery Board and by making the most of opportunities such as our recently secured devolution deal, we can consider how to give West Yorkshire the best chance of recovery in future.”
The Board will also be a strong voice for the region to communicate with Central Government, maximising opportunities offered by the West Yorkshire devolution deal.