Councillor Simon Gibson, Dorset Council member for Verwood, will put a motion to the Full Council meeting of Dorset Council, on May 15th, calling for an Economic Emergency comparable to the Climate Emergency declared in 2019. Seconded by Councillor James Vitali, member for Stalbridge and Marnhull, and with the backing of Conservative Councillors across North Dorset, the motion will call on Dorset Council to commit to a ten-point plan which will put economic growth at the heart of decision making, recognising the crucial role the council can play in support of local business.
The council will be asked to speed up regeneration of our market towns, to develop a strategy for business rates which will help grow the number of businesses in the area and set out how planning policy can support economic growth.
Cllr Gibson said; “This motion calls for a declaration of intent by Dorset Council and sets out a clear ambition to support economic growth across the area. Dorset’s businesses face unprecedented challenges - low growth, low wages, skills shortages and the uncertain global backdrop. Supporting our local economy is not a party-political issue so we are hoping for support from councillors from other parties. We must demonstrate that we understand how difficult things are for our business community and recognise that there is the moral as well as economic case for economic growth”.
