Ambitious plans to improve wealth across Sandwell and boost the local economy have been announced.
A report will be presented to the council’s cabinet on Wednesday 5 February outlining community wealth building plans for Sandwell.
If approved by councillors, community wealth building will see the council procuring more services locally and using providers who use the local supply chain and create jobs in the area.
A review was commissioned by Sandwell Council and recommendations have been put forward by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) to assist Sandwell Council in developing a community wealth building agenda.
Councillor Bob Lloyd, cabinet member for inclusive economic growth, said: “We as a council have a big part to play in increasing community wealth. We hope to do this by using our buying, employing and convening power and by encouraging others to do the same.
“This is a very innovative and ambitious plan and we have a massive opportunity to make improvements as a council and in partnership with other local organisations.”
Councillor Chris Worsey, lead member for community wealth, said: “We need to grow wealth for residents and businesses in Sandwell in order to make this a prosperous area for all.
“We want to spend more of the council’s money in the borough to support local businesses and people through our community wealth project.”
