Economic growth lies at the heart of national prosperity, but one-size-fits-all strategies often fail to address the unique regional challenges that can arise. We were pleased to welcome local businesses to our recent Insights webinar focussed on unlocking development in the East of England to ensure it can reach its full economic potential.

We had a fantastic panel leading the discussion comprised of Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County, Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, John McGill, Director of the UK Innovation Corridor and Gyula Törzsök, Portfolio Director at Thames Estuary Growth Board. The panel was chaired by PLMR’s Board Director in our Planning and Built Environment team, Will Savage.

It was a fascinating, insightful discussion and it’s clear there are huge development opportunities for the region. So, what did we learn? Here are five key takeaways from the session…

1. Empowering Local Governments through Devolution

Local government is uniquely positioned to respond to regional challenges, but centralised control can often limit their effectiveness. Devolution agreements could provide councils the financial and decision-making autonomy needed to address local issues such as housing, skills development, and infrastructure.

Essex County Council is preparing for potential devolution by establishing the Greater Essex Business Board, a strategic group uniting local employers and policymakers. This move mirrors successful models like Greater Manchester’s mayoral authority, which has demonstrated how empowered local leadership can attract inward investment and drive growth. By granting councils control over key areas such as skills budgets, housing, and infrastructure, central government can ensure local solutions are better aligned with local needs.

Since the webinar, the Government has published its English Devolution White Paper which sets out significant reform in governance – you can read PLMR’s analysis of what the proposals in this paper might mean for key sectors here.

2. Tackling the Housing Crisis and Infrastructure Barriers

The shortage of affordable housing is a nationwide issue, but its impacts are felt acutely across the East of England. The key barriers to addressing this crisis include high land costs, insufficient infrastructure, and delays in planning processes.

To solve these issues, local councils are proposing:

• Utilising unused government-owned land: Repurposing land held by national bodies like the NHS or Ministry of Defence could make affordable housing projects financially viable.
• Infrastructure investment: Essential projects like new water reservoirs and renewable energy facilities must be prioritised to support housing developments. For example, parts of Suffolk are currently unable to approve new industrial developments due to water shortages.
• Planning reforms: While streamlining planning processes is important, local governments emphasise the need for systemic changes that incentivise timely construction.

By addressing these interconnected challenges, local governments can create the conditions needed for housing growth and economic stability.

3. Building a Workforce for the Future

Skills development is critical for economic resilience, but current systems often fail to meet local labour market demands. Councils across the region are advocating for devolved control over skills budgets to better align training programs with regional needs.

Programs like Chelmsford’s Skills Festival exemplify the power of public-private collaboration. This annual event connects students with local STEM employers, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in high-demand fields such as construction, life sciences, and planning. Similarly, Essex County Council is focusing on sector-specific workforce development to support growth industries like agri-tech and space exploration.

By empowering councils to lead on skills training, the government can ensure communities are equipped to meet the demands of a changing economy.

4. Private and Public Sector Collaboration

Public and private sector collaboration is essential for tackling complex challenges like digital connectivity and economic inclusion. Initiatives like the Thames Estuary Growth Board’s Digital Steering Forum highlight the benefits of partnership. By bringing together public institutions, private companies, and academia, the forum is driving advancements in mobile and fibre connectivity to unlock growth in the region.

Digital infrastructure is not just about enabling businesses; it’s a critical tool for reducing economic inequality. Improved connectivity can bridge the digital divide, ensuring underserved communities have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

5. Maximising Existing Resources

Instead of reinventing the wheel, local governments are focusing on scaling successful programs and leveraging existing assets. Essex’s Poppins Bursary program, which supports childcare providers and entrepreneurs, is one such example. Combined with initiatives like the Holiday Activities and Food program, these efforts are helping parents re-enter the workforce while addressing economic inequality.

Looking Ahead

Unlocking local growth requires a multi-faceted approach that combines devolution, strategic planning, and collaboration. By addressing systemic challenges like housing affordability, skills shortages, and infrastructure constraints, local governments can create thriving communities that contribute to national prosperity.

The message is clear: local empowerment is the key to sustainable growth. With the Devolution White Paper freshly published, this could be a pivotal moment for the East of England and its future economic success.

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