Tories declare 'economic emergency' for Dorset
The county is said to have a 'productivity deficit'
Tory councillors are to attempt to declare an ‘economic emergency’ for Dorset.
Said the resolution to this week’s Lib Dem controlled council meeting: “Dorset has a productivity deficit. Our ageing population and reducing number of younger people further exacerbates the issues facing businesses and their ability to grow.”
The motion from Cllr Simon Gibson (Verwood) and Cllr James Vitali (Stalbridge & Marnhull) also cites the rise, for employers, in National Insurance contributions, increased energy costs and reductions in rate relief for some businesses.
The two Conservatives say that as Dorset Council prepares its next Economic Growth Strategy, it must look urgently at anything that the Council can do to improve growth and support businesses and jobs.
They claim the county is suffering and performing less well than regional or national figures.
It suggests that the council could set aside a percentage of any increase in business rate revenue to improve the local economy, high streets, or offer increased rate relief to struggling businesses.
The proposers also want to see more attention paid to economic development in planning issues and speed up the work of the council’s Market Town/ High Street Strategy to allow for the regeneration of town centres.
It also calls for: “Working with the business community, business representatives and locally elected representatives to lobby for better business support for Dorset and to ensure that the Government prioritises economic growth and support for businesses of all sizes.”
The motion will be debated at this Thursday’s (May 15th) full council meeting in Dorchester.