£13 billion in untapped economic potential for older industrial towns

Analysis from the Local Government Association (LGA) has shown that older industrial towns and cities in England could deliver £13 billion in untapped economic potential, if government provides the necessary support to unlock local economic opportunities and break down place-specific barriers to growth.

The research looks at older industrial towns and cities, many of which face challenges such as slow job growth, low pay, worklessness and low skills, and inadequate infrastructure (including digital) for the modern economy. 

The LGA is calling for properly resourced councils that can provide key services creating conditions for economic growth (e.g. planning, transport), and address barriers to work, such as poor health and housing.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Chair of the LGA’s Inclusive Growth Committee, said: “England’s towns and cities have a proud industrial heritage and significant potential to be drivers of economic growth. 

“Economic growth is the number one priority of the Government, so providing sufficient funding to councils – who can also break down barriers to inclusive growth by using their frontline services to improve people’s health, wellbeing and prosperity – is the smart way to drive up prosperity. 

“Only councils have the detailed knowledge of their communities and business and are best placed to work with investors, communities, their combined authority partners, where they exist, to unlock economic potential and better jobs."