Laura Sharman 28 May 2021

Counties see fastest growth in number of people claiming out of work benefits

Counties see fastest growth in number of people claiming out of work benefits image

County councils have warned that a 'narrow and simplistic focus' in the levelling-up agenda risks England’s economic recovery from the pandemic.

New analysis from the County Councils Network (CCN) shows that over 1,000 new people a day are claiming out of work benefits in county areas.

This number of people has risen by 123% since March 2020, compared to a rise of 84% in Northern towns and cities.

It also found that 36 country areas have witnessed the fastest growth in furloughed employees during the past six months, with almost 1.5 million people in county areas now currently on furlough.

The CCN has called on the Government to ensure that their levelling up agenda does not bypass county areas, and for county authorities to be given the same devolved powers and budgets on skills and adult employment as metro mayors.

Cllr Barry Lewis, economic growth spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said: 'To date, there has been an understandable focus on levelling-up Northern towns, but an overly narrow and simplistic focus which bypasses rural and shire counties will hamper the country’s economic recovery. This analysis shows that levelling up needs to happen right across all four corners of England.

'To ensure county areas don’t become left-behind communities, we are urging the Government to not forget about these places when it comes to the distributing resources as part of levelling-up. In addition, county authorities should be given the powers and resource to lead economic recovery efforts locally, in recognition that each county area will have individual solutions.'

Photo: 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner