Consultation is taking place to help shape a 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.
The Council is asking residents, businesses and organisations to complete online surveys via the Economic Development Strategy Consultation page – by 31 March 2025.
The surveys aim to identify: everyday experiences and habits; the main economic challenges, including local and global issues; support measures for enhancing the local economy; and community aspirations for the future.
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 (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.
Responses and feedback will be used to create a foundation for developing a 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.
Councillor Paul Ferretti, Convener of the Council's Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee, said, "East Dunbartonshire's economy is vital for everyone – supporting jobs, businesses, access to goods and services, community prosperity and investment. Have your say and help to pinpoint priorities, opportunities and challenges – for our people and our planet.
"The strategy won't be a magic wand – it will provide a framework to encourage collaboration, co-ordinate actions and maximise resources – all aimed at addressing the evolving economic needs and challenges locally.
It's important we hear from as many voices as possible – including members of the public, businesses, third sector and partner organisations, and under-represented groups and minorities.
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 the East Dunbartonshire Economic Partnership, 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 will follow the Council's previous Economic Development Strategy, the post-COVID Economic Recovery Plan and the Circular Economy Strategy (agreed in 2023).
