Staffordshire plans more business investment

DEVELOPING new business opportunities and increased investment in the county’s roads network will be top of the agenda when Staffordshire County Council lays out in latest financial strategy.

The local authority is keen to attract new business investment opportunities similar to Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to invest £355m in a new engine plant, which will benefit the county’s economy.

Other key investment projects include the expansion of Keele University Science Park and the redevelopment of Newcastle under Lyme town centre.

The county is also planning to invest in its road network to ensure the infrastructure makes it as easy as possible for firms to relocate to the area.

The measures have been outlined in the council’s mid-term financial strategy, which will be discussed tonight and which sets out how Staffordshire will achieve savings of £75m over the next three years while still delivering vital services.

Cllr Ian Parry, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and transformation, said the strategy showed that Staffordshire was in a healthy position with a secure future.

“We are proud that we have been operating this organisation responsibly, identifying how we can be more efficient and provide high quality services.

“We have played a major part in securing big name investors in the county and supported small businesses, creating and protecting jobs,” he said.