Annual performance spotlights
Connect outcome - Our economy
Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres
What communities told us:
- People need to be able to access training and skills to help them get into a job or to progress in their employment.
- Transport links can be a problem for employment, particularly in rural areas.
- Support is needed for local small businesses and town centres need help to recover from the pandemic.
What will success look like:
- More people in employment and economically active
- Reduced poverty and household debt
- Increased value of spend with local businesses
- Increased number of living wage employers in South Lanarkshire
Case study: Rural conference
The council hosted a Rural Conference at New Lanark Hotel in March 2023. Over 100 delegates from rural communities across Lanarkshire came together to share knowledge and help set out future opportunities for the rural area. The event showcased local activity through stalls and presentations such as Wiston Lodge and Carluke Development Trust and the main session had presentations on Community Led Local Development and Community Wealth Building. Delegates considered the main challenges for the area and how communities can be best supported to develop local solutions.
Through four workshop session’s key themes were identified in more detail, these were:
- Wellbeing Economy, led by Healthy Valleys
- Social Enterprise, led by South Lanarkshire Council Economic Development Officer
- Community Led Tourism, led by Rural Dimension
- Climate Action and Sustainability, led by Climate Action Strathaven
These sessions developed detailed barriers and opportunities within each theme and collectively recognised the strengths of the local community, local culture, and the local landscape for delivering healthier living and more sustainable communities. The overall conclusions from the event were that there are opportunities for more projects on tourism, intergenerational learning, and sustainability within the rural area, however, short-term funding makes delivering long term aspirations more difficult for communities and the third sector.
Feedback on the event and presentations from participants and delegates was very positive.
Participants particularly benefited from the networking aspect of the conference and learning significantly from what other communities are doing.
How we did in 2022-23
Note: some 2022-23 results were impacted due to the Covid-19 crisis
