A sustainable and prosperous economy

A sustainable and prosperous economy in West Sussex is key to the future wellbeing of the county

The economy

A sustainable and prosperous economy in West Sussex is key to the future wellbeing of the county and it has never been more important for us to focus on this given the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19. Ensuring that businesses are supported to recover and grow, that local people have access to well-paid employment, and that the conditions are right for enterprise and innovation will have a positive impact on the long term health of residents and on the potential of young people.

Areas of focus

Economy Reset Plan

We will deliver the Council’s Economy Reset Plan, focussing on the economic challenges faced by different places in the county; on supporting new and existing businesses, and those sectors hit hard by COVID-19; on employment and skills activities to support and create jobs; and on digital technology to boost the economy. Climate change and the environment will underpin the economy reset approach.

Social value framework

We will ensure our procurement processes are accessible to local providers in order to maximise the use of local suppliers in our supply chains and secure added economic, social and environmental benefits for our residents. For example, jobs and opportunities for local people and access to education, training and support.

West Sussex Transport Plan

We will review the plan and set out a new strategy for the transport network up to 2036 to enable active travel and access to education, employment and services, and decarbonise the transport system while protecting the local environment.

Digital infrastructure

We will work with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the telecoms market to accelerate and extend investment in the county to build digital infrastructure and access networks in line with the government’s target.

Employers, education and training providers

We will work with employers, education and training providers to progress skills and employment opportunities to support residents and the local economy in the medium and longer term.

Climate Change Strategy

We will deliver commitments in our Climate Change Strategy, in particular positioning the county as a place for innovation in green energy. We will take advantage of natural capital investment funding when available and encourage and enable the community and businesses to innovate and make decisions which optimise use of resources and reduce carbon impact.

West Sussex growth deals

We will continue to deliver on existing deals with district and borough councils, which aim to support town centre growth, unlock housing and employment sites and attract investment. We will seek to refresh deals that are due to expire after their 5-year term.

Outcomes and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

How to read the plan

Outcome 1 - Resetting and rebooting the local economy

Performance indicators marked ‘TBC’ refer to indicators where, for different reasons, the baseline or target is yet to be determined. For example, the indicator might be new and needs baselining, the benchmarking needed in order to set the target will be completed at a later point in the year, or the indicator or target is set by national government. Indicators marked ‘TBC’ will be updated through the life of the plan.

  • Enterprises supported to start, revive, innovate and grow
    Baseline 950
    2021/22 target 1500
    2022/23 target TBC
    2023/24 target TBC
    2024/25 target TBC

Outcome 2 - Achieving social value in West Sussex

  • New tenders over the value of £500,000 include 'social value' criteria as part of the evaluation, in line with the Council's social value framework
    Baseline 20 per cent
    2021/22 target 40 per cent
    2022/23 target 60 per cent
    2023/24 target 80 per cent
    2024/25 target 80 per cent

Outcome 3 - Sustainable growth by developing modern infrastructure

Performance indicators marked ‘TBC’ refer to indicators where, for different reasons, the baseline or target is yet to be determined. For example, the indicator might be new and needs baselining, the benchmarking needed in order to set the target will be completed at a later point in the year, or the indicator or target is set by national government. Indicators marked ‘TBC’ will be updated through the life of the plan.

  • Length of new cycle paths across the county (CC - focused on the underpinning theme of climate change)
    Baseline 7km (per year)
    2021/22 target 7.5km (per year)
    2022/23 target 7.5km (per year)
    2023/24 target 7.5km (per year)
    2024/25 target 7.5km (per year)
  • Percentage length of A and B roads that require maintenance
    Baseline 15 per cent (2020 to 2021)
    2021/22 target 14.5 per cent
    2022/23 target 14 per cent
    2023/24 target 13.5 per cent
    2024/25 target 13 per cent
  • Highway defects repaired within required timescale
    Baseline 96 per cent (2020 to 2021)
    2021/22 target 96 per cent
    2022/23 target 96 per cent
    2023/24 target 96 per cent
    2024/25 target 96 per cent
  • Percentage of premises able to access gigabit-capable connectivity by 2025 (working towards government target of 85 per cent by the end of 2025)
    Baseline 12 per cent
    2021/22 target TBC
    2022/23 target TBC
    2023/24 target TBC
    2024/25 target 72 per cent

Outcome 4 - Supporting people to develop the skills they need for the future

  • Percentage of young people attaining Grade 4 and above for maths and English GCSE by the age of 16 years old
    Baseline 66.2 per cent
    2021/22 target 67 per cent
    2022/23 target 67.5 per cent
    2023/24 target 68 per cent
    2024/25 target 69 per cent

Outcome 5 - A sustainable economy that adapts to climate change

  • Equivalent tonnes (te) of CO2 emissions from WSCC activities (CC - focused on the underpinning theme of climate change)
    Baseline 33,912 (2019 to 2020)
    2021/22 target 30,521
    2022/23 target 29,910
    2023/24 target 28,116
    2024/25 target 25,867
  • Household waste recycled, reused or composted (CC - focused on the underpinning theme of climate change)
    Baseline 53 per cent
    2021/22 target 54 per cent
    2022/23 target 55 per cent
    2023/24 target 56 per cent
    2024/25 target 57 per cent

Outcome 6 - Working in partnership

  • Number of growth deals in place with district and boroughs
    Baseline 6
    2021/22 target 6
    2022/23 target 6
    2023/24 target 6
    2024/25 target 6

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