Local and regional economic assessments and strategies can embrace a range of themes: the performance of the local economy, business needs, sector and cluster strengths, labour markets and skills, worklessness and social exclusion (with Work and Skills Plans), property and land, housing, recreation and leisure facilities, the environment, and internal/external perceptions and image.

These reflect DCLG and other guidance and local circumstances and opportunities.

A story line based on needs and challenges linked to strategic options, priority actions, phasing, and resources is critical.

Key Issues

• Profile of the local economy in key indicators
• Identification of the issues
• Analysis of performance and trends
• Area strengths and weaknesses
• Forecasts and scenarios
• Business needs and constraints to growth
• Residents needs, training, and workforce development
• Worklessness and unemployment
• Social exclusion and improving access
• Audits of policies, projects, resources
• Stakeholders roles and resources
• Strategic role, implementation and resources
• Monitoring and evaluation

Examples of Projects

• Thames Gateway Development Framework: Overall strategy and Action Plan for core areas of the boroughs of Bexley and Greenwich. Actions to address business development, labour market and training, neighbourhood renewal, sites and premises issues.
• GO-EAST/EEDA: Understanding the Eastern REgion and the strategic policy implications.
• LDA: Understanding London and its Sub Regions and the strategic policy implications based on economic performance.
• ONE NorthEast: Ongoing output measurement and the implications for policy development.
• Local Authorities and their partners: Advice on economic development, worklessness plans and regeneration strategies in:
  • South Yorkshire
  • Manchester
  • Kent
  • Northumberland
  • Somerset (Frome)
  • Brighton
  • Norfolk
  • Welsh Valleys
  • Nottingham
  • Wandsworth
  • Lewisham
  • Pendle
• Lincolnshire: South Holland. Strategy advice for the Rural Action Zone with key labour market, diviersification, and transport issues.
• Haringey Borough Council: City Growth Strategy and Action Plan with key local firms, sector cluster groups and local area partnerships. (PACEC was part of the HMT/SBS national and LDA London Teams)
• GO-EAST / Harlow Council: Preparation of a regeneration strategy to reposition Harlow as a sub-regional centre and take advantage of growth scenarios as part of the ODPM Sustainable Communities Plan.
• Greater Cambridge Partnership: The Cambridge Phenomenon. Fulfilling the Potential. Strategy to take advantage of the high technology clusters in the region and address barriers to growth.