The Economic Development Improvement Guide was today (Wednesday, October 5, 2011) launched by Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing.
Jointly produced by the Scottish Local Authorities' Economic Development Group (SLAED), the Improvement Service and the Scottish Government, the Guide is designed to support the economic development work of Councils and promote the value of effective partnership working.
The Guide features expert input from a wide range of economic development partners and provides a practical toolkit, which supports Councils in 'raising the bar' in economic development by reviewing their activities, sharing good practice and identifying areas for improvement.
The overall aim of the Guide is to provide tangible benefits and improvements to help Councils and their partners achieve greater, and more sustainable, economic impact within communities.
In addition to their role as major employers and procurers of services, Councils lead on the delivery of critical functions, such as planning, licensing, education, local transportation infrastructure and local regeneration.
The effective, joined-up delivery of these services can have a major positive impact on the operation of the local economy and the Guide will support Councils and their key economic development partners as they maximise their contribution and improve their communities.
Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing officially launched the Guide at an event in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 5 October.
He said: "I am delighted to launch the Economic Development Improvement Guide and encourage Scotland's Councils and the full range of partner organisations to continue working together in order to maximise the impact they have on Scotland's economy.
"A robust, thriving and diverse economy at both local and national level has a positive impact on communities across the country, and helps provide the foundation for a stronger Scotland.
"A strong local economy also provides an important building block for achieving a wider range of desirable social and environmental outcomes - including improved health and a reduction in unemployment."
Alex Anderson, Chair of SLAED, said: "Councils' continued investment in economic development assists with early, preventative interventions that can lead to more sustainable outcomes and reduce overall costs for the public sector
"There are a wide range of potential benefits from effective economic development but Councils must also continuously refine their activities, improve their impact and work with partner organisations. The Guide will help them to achieve this."
Councillor Rob Murray, Vice President of CoSLA and a Board member of the Improvement Service, said: "At a time of significant resource challenge across the public sector, Councils must undertake thoughtful, innovative, ambitious and effective economic development, which genuinely adds value to communities.
"I'm certain the Economic Development Improvement Guide will prove to be an invaluable asset in helping Councils and their public sector partners create the right conditions for economic success.
"The Guide is an important resource and the partners from both local and central government are committed to developing a programme of support that will help drive its implementation over the coming years."
You can download the Guide and find further information on our Economic Development page.
