Green Economic Recovery Plan Revealed
Winchester City Council will double down on its efforts to rebuild and reimagine the economy post COVID-19 through the creation of a new Green Economic Development Strategy that aims to transform the district’s economy over the next 10 years
Plans for the new strategy, which was approved by Cabinet on 21 October, will help the council create a greener, more sustainable and inclusive economy, in line with its ambition for the Winchester District to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The strategy will play a major role in providing a road map of practical steps that will allow the district to transition to a greener, inclusive and more technologically driven creative economy which puts sustainability at its heart, whilst creating new jobs and helping businesses grow.
Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Cllr Paula Ferguson said:
“Our ambition to create a green sustainable economy are key to the future of the district. We need to aim high if we are to create a greener, cleaner, more sustainable district and the Green Economic Development Strategy will play a vital role in helping us achieve this.
We've seen the world change since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March, especially in the way we work, how we shop and how we travel, and we want to springboard off those changes to both build back better and to build back greener. Already we’re seeing encouraging signs from businesses across the district who are adapting and adopting a new 'business as usual'.
“In developing the strategy, we need to take into consideration the new normal we find ourselves in and build consensus amongst residents, businesses, and key stakeholders around the steps we need to take to secure a green recovery and a green sustainable economy for the future.”
The strategy will be launched in April 2021 and will be in place for 10 years until 2031.