Ipswich Wins 'City Deal' Bid

30 October 2013, 10:00 | Updated: 30 October 2013, 10:17

Ipswich is the latest place to get a 'City Deal' from the Government that could see millions of pounds invested in the area.

Suffolk County Council say it means thousands of people will be supported into work and millions invested in Ipswich and the surrounding area after the Government signs an economic deal with local authorities and business groups today.

The deal, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Minister for Cities Greg Clark, local businesses and council leaders is the latest City Deal to get the green light from government. The idea is for the Greater Ipswich City Deal to empower the area to make the most of its economic assets and opportunities, creating thousands of new apprenticeships and giving employers more say in how money is spent on skills.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg MP, said:

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for the people who know Ipswich best to decide how to invest millions of pounds in the region, ensuring we are building a stronger economy and doing it fairly.

“It will allow Ipswich and the rest of Suffolk to be really innovative and design whole new ways
 to help more young people into sustainable employment and increase their earnings.

“This City Deal has the genuine power to change the fortunes of many people across the region.It will give young people a greater chance of finding a job, it will help people gain extra training, improve education and provide a massive boost to the area’s businesses.

“The Greater Ipswich City Deal today marks the beginning of a new era of growth and prosperity for the region.”

The Greater Ipswich City Deal aims to make Suffolk more prosperous by:

●     Supporting 3,500 young people into work in the Greater Ipswich area.
●     Creating and piloting a Youth Job Centre.
●     Increasing local private and public investment in skills by at least £10 million.
●     Creating 5,000 new apprenticeships by 2019.
●     Creating 3,000 additional high value jobs and 400 new businesses across Suffolk and Norfolk.
●     Developing a new approach to skills, led by employers, and a highly skilled local workforce.

Paul Winter, Ipswich Building Society chief executive and chairman of the Greater Ipswich Deal Steering Group, said:

 “Our City Deal is a fantastic example of how the public and private sector can work together for the benefit of all. The changes that will come about as a result of the deal will make a real difference to the employment opportunities for people across the region, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of the deal in the next few years.”

Councillor David Ellesmere, Ipswich Borough Council's leader, said:

 “This is excellent news for Ipswich and its neighbours. It builds on the council's existing programmes to boost skills and create jobs. This City Deal will help us tackle youth unemployment and give our children the skills they need now to do the jobs of the future.”

 Councillor Mark Bee, Suffolk County Council's leader, said:

 “I’m thrilled that our deal proposals have now been accepted and that we can move forward and turn our plans into reality.

 “Businesses constantly tell us that improving the skills that our workforce has is the most important issue for them. That’s why skills are a central part of our City Deal.

 “The effects of this City Deal won’t just be felt in Ipswich. The entire county stands to benefit because of the investment and improvements that will be made as a result. This is a significant moment for the future prosperity of Suffolk.”