LONGER TERM ECONOMIC STRATEGY
Ealing ’ s plan for good jobs sets out the shorter-term actions that we must focus our efforts on over the next months as we continue to recover from the pandemic . This approach will better manage our finite resources and ensure our hardest hit residents and businesses are protected and supported as a priority . This approach will also help keep our climate action commitments at the top of the council ’ s policy making and investment agenda .
However , this plan for good jobs also starts to introduce the idea of taking a different approach to economic growth . An approach that is genuinely sustainable and protects our climate and natural environment , an approach that is inclusive so most of the economic benefits and wealth creation is directed to our hardest hit and most disadvantaged communities , and an approach that is socially just so our BAME residents and workers enjoy the same economic opportunities and public health outcomes as their white ethnicity peers . We have a vision for a new economy that nurtures and sustains all Ealing citizens .
To achieve this , we will continue to robustly lobby for a clearer and more ambitious vision from government and in parallel we will commence work on what will be Ealing ’ s first inclusive economy strategy to be published in 2022 . This strategy will be co-developed by a multitude of stakeholders , so its vision is shared , and its objectives can be co-delivered . This will take account of the sub-regional , West of London context , of the ambition of the Mayor of London and best practice in developing and delivering long term sustainable economic strategies .
In stimulating and accelerating the new economy described above , the council will draw upon elements of the community wealth building model . As an immediate step this means a wholesale review of our Social Value policy to ensure our procurement processes encourage union representation in the workforce , decent pay , ending the use of zero hours contracts and securing good terms and conditions for workers .
The community wealth building model has already been applied successfully in a number of councils across England ( pioneered as the Preston Model ) so we will also explore this approach . However , we will not be restricted to a single approach . For example , we know from our recent engagement on the council ’ s climate and ecological emergency strategy that there is strong appetite amongst our businesses and residents to reduce waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible , extract the maximum value from them whilst in use , then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each their life . This is known as a circular economy , and we will be exploring ways to transition to this type of economy with industry experts from the UK and beyond . Ultimately , we will work with you on deciding how Ealing ’ s local economy should evolve when we commence work on the inclusive economy strategy later this year .
Ealing ’ s Plan for Good Jobs Towards an inclusive economy
33