Consultation launched on how to make Cheshire sustainable and inclusive

Members of the public, businesses and organisations are being asked for their views on proposals aiming to create a sustainable and inclusive economy in Cheshire.

In 2020, the three councils, alongside Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, launched the independent Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Commission to help the region develop a fairer, greener economy that delivers lasting benefits for local people and businesses.

The commission, which is made up of members from civil society and the private and public sectors, was brought together to generate ideas to make this happen and now views are wanted from local people and businesses.

Recommendations have been made around an inclusive economy, sustainable transport, sustainable land use and Net Zero.

Sam Corcoran, Leader of Cheshire East Council, and co-chair of the Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Commission said: “This commission was established to act as a catalyst for how Cheshire and Warrington can go further, faster towards achieving our vision of becoming the most sustainable, inclusive, healthy and growing sub-region in the country.

“We all know that the pandemic has hit some of the most vulnerable people the hardest and we hope that through the recommendations we have set out we can improve the lives of people that live here and also deliver benefits for the environment.

“I hope people take the time to have a say on these proposals which we believe will improve lives and protect the environment for all of our futures.”

Robert Davis, CEO of EA Technology, and co-chair of the Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Commission, said: “We are determined to level up Cheshire and Warrington for the benefit of people across the sub-region and also attract the public and private investment that will help our area to grow and flourish.

“This ambition, alongside our aims to become a world leader in Net Zero, to create a fair and growing economy and distribute the benefits of local economic development more evenly are all key to these proposals.

“I’d urge both the public and the business community to have their say on these proposals to help shape them as we take them forward to explore how they could be implemented.”

Clare Hayward MBE, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “I would like to thank the commission for its work so far. The commission has acted as a catalyst and enabled us to highlight how and where we can deliver sustainable growth for the benefit of everyone that lives and works in Cheshire and Warrington.

“I would encourage people, businesses and organisations from across the sub-region to engage in the consultation and provide their views so we can ensure future plans are well informed .”

Both in-person and virtual events are being planned to support the consultation. The Commission are looking to hear from a wide variety of people and organisations about their views on the content of their Consultation Document, including members of the public, public and private sector organisations, civil society, and local interest groups.

The consultation is open now until Friday 13th May 2022. People can access the Consultation Document and event information by going to: 

https://cheshireandwarrington.com/what-we-do/sustainability/sustainable-and-inclusive-growth-commission/