Leaders pledge to support the UK steel industry at first meeting

The Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire will sign the UK Steel Charter on behalf of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA), following a meeting today.

The authority’s Business and Infrastructure Board met for the first time on Wednesday 25 June and unanimously voted to sign the charter.

Mayor, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, said, “British Steel has an exceptional team, and I have got to know them very well. I’ve spoken to central government on a number of occasions about doing more to support steel-making in Scunthorpe. I’m delighted the Board agreed with this too and we can put our money where our mouth is. Signing the Charter is our own pledge to push for the use of steel from this country in any projects we fund.”

The Business and Infrastructure Board also discussed aspirations to improve infrastructure in Greater Lincolnshire and how the authority will ensure housing needs are met.

The Board is chaired by Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson.

He said: “As Leader of a borough that has re-invented itself economically in the last decade – and continues to do so – I am delighted to be chairing a board that can work with focus across the Greater Lincolnshire footprint to deliver and agree on ways we can encourage existing businesses to grow whilst bringing new industry in. 

“We sit in a unique position to do this. From the Humber to the Wash, we want to drive forward schemes and projects that create opportunities for all and this means looking at where those opportunities are and creating the right environment for businesses that bring with them success, investment, and good jobs. To do this it is also essential that we focus on our transport links, good housing, and infrastructure - thereby growing as a place where people want to stay, to move to and to work in. Alongside this, we are also determined to drive forward the skills and education agenda across Greater Lincolnshire so our local people can thrive.”