West Lancashire Borough Council approves new Inclusive Economic Development Strategy
West Lancashire Borough Council has approved a new Inclusive Economic Development Strategy for 2026 to 2031, setting out how the Borough will support local jobs, businesses and investment over the next five years.
The Strategy supports the Council’s vision for “West Lancashire together; the place of choice to live, work, visit and invest” and aims to help residents access good employment, strengthen local businesses and create a thriving, resilient economy.
The Council commissioned studies into the Borough’s economy to provide robust evidence base for the new strategy. The research looked at how the local economy is performing, which sectors are growing and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
The Council also spoke to a wide range of partners including local businesses, schools, colleges, universities, public sector organisations and community groups. Their feedback helped ensure the Strategy reflects real experiences and local priorities.
The Strategy focuses on three key areas needed for a strong and successful economy:
- People: helping residents develop skills, access training and find good jobs
- Place: supporting vibrant towns and villages and improving infrastructure and connectivity
- Enterprise & Innovation: helping businesses grow, innovate and invest
To target resources where they can make the biggest difference, the Strategy sets out three ‘missions’:
- Unlocking Skelmersdale’s industrial economy for local opportunity
- Strengthening West Lancashire’s food and rural economy
- Expanding economic participation across the Borough
These missions will help coordinate work across skills, regeneration, business support and infrastructure, ensuring activity is joined‑up and focused on long‑term impact.
The strategy will help the Borough link into the Lancashire’s Growth Plan which was published last year and will also support work through changes in local government and devolution.
The plans focus on long‑term growth by helping boost productivity, create more opportunities for residents and strengthen West Lancashire’s position in the North West. It also supports the Council’s financial plans by guiding and attracting investment into the Borough.
Neil Eccles, Director of Planning, Economy and Wellbeing, said: “This Strategy gives West Lancashire a clear and confident direction for the years ahead. It reflects what we have heard from local businesses, partners and communities and it focuses on the areas where we can make the biggest difference.
“By working together, we can create more opportunities for residents, support our local economy to grow and ensure West Lancashire continues to be a great place to live, work and invest.”
