East Midlands unveils bold plan to put people at the heart of growth

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward and the RSA have launched the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Inclusive Growth Commission report – the first of its kind in the UK.

The launch of the report on Monday, at Derby College Group’s Roundhouse campus, is a major moment for the East Midlands, providing a chance for partners to work together to improve lives and jobs across the region.

It brings together new ideas for skills, health, housing and transport, showing that there is a big chance for the East Midlands to grow.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is a region of huge pride and ambition. We’ve always been a place that builds, creates and leads, from our world-class manufacturers to our thriving new industries in green energy, life sciences and the creative economy.

“However, too often the opportunities our people deserve aren’t spread fairly. That’s why I asked the Inclusive Growth Commission to look hard at the barriers and the solutions. “

The Mayor continued: “The Commission’s final report makes clear the challenge is not aspiration as we have that in abundance, but the pathways that turn ambition into achievement. Too many young people face broken steps on the journey to a secure job, a decent home or affordable transport.”

The plan is the first regional model of its kind in the UK – practical, scalable, and designed to influence national debates on growth, levelling up, and the future economy, leading to: a healthier, better-paid, more skilled workforce; better access to affordable housing and transport; stronger, more connected communities; and, a distinctive East Midlands identity that attracts talent and investment.

At the heart of the plan is the UK’s first “Opportunity Escalator”, setting out clear pathways for people to access opportunities and progress in work and life.

The Commission is also calling for the UK’s first regional plan to strengthen social connections as well as economic ones, including more support for grassroots leaders and community groups, and investment which delivers not just profit, but greener, fairer, healthier places across the East Midlands.

The East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission was set up in November 2024 by EMCCA and council leaders across the region, who appointed the RSA to run the high-profile commission.

Mayor Claire said: “This is a call to action for all of us – government, business, communities – to invest in our people and places. As Mayor, I am determined to lead that change.

“Together we must remove the barriers that hold people back, and make sure the East Midlands is a region where every young person has the chance not just to dream, but to thrive.”

A downloadable link to the executive summary is available here, with the full report here.