Southend-on-Sea City Council has been named as one of 38 local authorities that the Government is in early discussions with regarding investment zones.
The Government announced more information about investment zones today. They are designed to drive growth and unlock housing across the UK by lowering taxes and liberalising planning frameworks to encourage rapid development and business investment.
Cllr Paul Collins, cabinet member for asset management and inward investment, said: “The national announcement about investment zones is welcomed, and whilst there has been an initial approach from the Government, we await fuller details and further conversations with the Government regarding Southend-on-Sea and how we might benefit and other implications.
“One of our core priorities is to develop a City that is strong and prosperous, and at the heart of this is economic development, regeneration and investment in our local areas, housing, businesses, and the environment. Any national scheme which will help achieve that objective along with improved infrastructure is welcomed.”
More detail on pilot Investment Zones can be found on the Government website.