An Economic Strategy for the Borough

Doncaster's Economic Strategy

The Council and its partners have developed an Economic Strategy for the Borough to provide focus and direction for the economy up to 2015, setting out a clear and flexible framework to achieve sustainable growth.

The strategy builds upon the robust evidence base provided by Doncaster’s Local Economic Assessment (LEA) and reflects the changing economic and political conditions.

Doncaster, like the rest of the country, faces significant economic challenges and is operating in a much more fluid economic environment. A fresh approach is required to respond positively to the changing conditions, support delivery of the borough vision and ensure the strategy is used to maximise the borough’s productive potential. The focus of this Economic Strategy is therefore to lay the foundations for long term economic growth by removing barriers, working collaboratively and enabling markets to operate efficiently. In short it is more about creating the right conditions and freeing markets than it is about picking the winners.

The Borough Strategy sets the over-arching strategy for Doncaster and makes it clear that increasing the economic engagement of residents and businesses will have a positive impact on the quality of life of residents .This key principle is at the core of the Economic Strategy;

Doncaster’s approach places the economy at the centre of its activities, encouraging participation in the economy to maximise residents’ well-being.  The term we have adopted for this approach is ‘economic engagement’ and the principles include: increased flexibility, encouraging self reliance, enabling individual and business progression and achieving positive outcomes.  A strong economy leads to healthier, stronger, safer communities and improved quality of life.

Doncaster’s economic strategy covers three themes;

• Economic Drivers – In order to drive economic growth, Doncaster needs to realise the potential of its assets, make the most of its strengths and utilise comparative advantages.

• Underpinning Economic Factors – Doncaster’s economy has inherent weaknesses and bottlenecks which prevent it from operating effectively.  These weaknesses, such as high levels of unemployment, limit the degree to which the economy is able to compete and grow.

• Economic Linkages – Doncaster needs to develop mutually beneficial economic relationships with other places, cooperating with partners where it will result in a more efficient allocation of resources and secure better resources for Doncaster.

Doncaster’s economic strategy can be found attached to this page.