Durham County Council launches “econ-versation” campaign to help boost £9bn economic contribution

Over half a million residents in County Durham are being invited to join the “big econ-versation” on issues including everything from job wages to educational opportunities.

Following an extensive economic review earlier this year, Durham County Council wants to hear from residents and business people to help create a new and ambitious economic strategy for the future.

Shaped by residents and businesses, the strategy will become a “comprehensive, inclusive plan” for County Durham to help it achieve its growth ambitions and secure further investment and support from regional and national private and public sector organisations until 2023.

County Durham is said to be a “major economic force in the North East”, with 533,100 residents, supporting 174,000 jobs in 14,565 businesses. It contributes £9bn to the regional economy each year.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships at Durham County Council, said: “Our economy provides opportunities for everyone, it affects how much money people have in their pockets but also how happy and healthy they are.

“By taking part in our big econ-versation residents and businesses will help us strike the right balance between urban and rural spaces or between inward investment and tourism, with the need to protect our history, heritage and natural spaces.

“This affects everyone living and working in County Durham, so we strongly believe that people should have their say on what our economy looks like in the future. By taking part in our survey and consultation events, residents and businesses will help us to attract and secure the right investment and support we need.”

Glyn Llewellyn, chair of the County Durham Economic Partnership, added: “ “Businesses everywhere have and will continue to face many challenges over the next few years, from the impacts of Brexit and the pandemic to sustainability and the effects of climate change.

“It’s imperative that businesses and organisations from across the private and public sectors in County Durham work better together to ensure a mutually beneficial successful economy for our collective long-term future.”

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