Coventry and Warwickshire has taken a major step forward in signing an innovative City Deal to create thousands of jobs and unlock multi-million pounds of investment.
The Government has today (Monday, October 29) announced Coventry City Council and Warwickshire’s five district councils – Warwick, Stratford, North Warwickshire, Rugby, and Nuneaton and Bedworth – working alongside the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have been shortlisted in the second wave of deals.
The landmark City Deal initiative is centred on creating jobs, boosting skills, encouraging local decision-making and increasing self-sufficiency at local government level to drive local economic growth.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has revealed Coventry and Warwickshire is among the 20 cities who have been invited through to the next stage to secure the powers created by the City Deal.
Cllr Lynnette Kelly and Cllr Kevin Foster from Coventry City Council were at the announcement along with Martin Yardley, chief executive of the LEP.
Sir Peter Rigby, chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP said: “This announcement is very good news – but the hard work starts now for all parties.”
John Mutton, leader of Coventry City Council and vice-chair of the LEP, said: “The future of our fine city and the wider area is rooted firmly in what we have always done best and I believe City Deal will help us to create the right environment to once again lead the way – unlocking growth and creating and safeguarding jobs.
“Now the hard work really begins – to make sure we make the very best business case – one that will ensure we receive a share of this great opportunity.
“The City Deal presents a really exciting opportunity for us. Here in Coventry we have an impressive track record of doing things differently to unlock growth and create and safeguard jobs. And I believe, by working in partnership and unconstrained by boundaries, we will be able to embark on innovative ways to support the city’s and the region’s growth.”