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    Economic Development Strategy Consultation

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    Closing date

    31/03/2025

    Consultation is taking place to help shape the new Economic Development Strategy, which aims to support jobs, productivity, investment, and access to goods and services, while creating wellbeing for the people of East Dunbartonshire.

    Grass and plant pots graphic with the words 'got a view on the economy? grow for it!'

    You can help by completing one of our online surveys:

    Residents survey

    Please complete this survey if you are a resident.

    Residents survey

    Businesses survey

    Please complete this survey if you are a business or organisation.

    Businesses survey

    The surveys are open between 17 February and 31 March 2025.

    In addition, drop-in sessions are taking place – giving people the chance to speak to officers, access information, share their perspectives and provide feedback:

    • Milngavie Library (36 Allander Road, Milngavie, G62 8PN) – Wednesday 5 March, 2-7pm
    • Lennoxtown Library (46 Main Street, Lennoxtown, G66 7JJ) – Wednesday 19 March, 2-7pm
    • Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre (Woodhead Park, Kirkintilloch, G66 3DD) – Wednesday 26 March, 2-7pm.

    A forum is also being held – on Monday 24 February in Bishopbriggs War Memorial Hall, 10am-1pm – bringing together community members, businesses and local organisations to share ideas, discuss challenges and help shape the future of the local economy. It’s an in-person event, however, registration is required due to venue capacity. Places are being allocated on a first-come, first-served basis – email development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

    All responses and feedback will be used to create a foundation for developing the new Economic Development Strategy (EDS), ensuring that it reflects local priorities.

    It is expected a draft EDS – including background reports, policy framework, data analysis and research – will be considered by elected members in the autumn, after which there will be further public consultation. It is hoped a finalised EDS will be in place by early 2026.

    The surveys aim to identify: everyday experiences and habits; current economic challenges, including local and global issues; support measures for enhancing the local economy; and community aspirations for the future.

    The objectives of the new EDS include:

    • Updating the economic baseline of East Dunbartonshire to provide evidence of the existing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that should guide policy development
    • Defining a renewed approach to local economic development that aligns with national and regional guidance
    • Identifying strategic economic development outcomes and preparing an action plan
    • Developing a monitoring plan to measure the success of the strategy, based on a set of ambitious but realistic targets.

    The Council is working on the new strategy with East Dunbartonshire Economic Partnership (EDEP), which includes the Department for Work and Pensions, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, Skills Development Scotland, East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, VisitScotland and Scottish Canals.

    It is also liaising with the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Region, local authorities and research institutions to ensure alignment with broader policy objectives and the adoption of best practices.

    The new EDS follows the Council's previous Economic Development Strategy, the post-COVID Economic Recovery Plan and the Circular Economy Strategy (agreed in 2023).

    For more information or to ask a question, contact the team – email development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call 0300 123 4510.