New recovery board will plan how Wakefield gets out of the crisis

The council has established a recovery board to work on how best to restart and diversify the local economy as Government restrictions continue to lift.

The board will include Wakefield Council, West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group, Department of Work and Pensions, Wakefield College, Wakefield and District Housing, Mid Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce, NOVA, Citizens Advice Bureau and other business sector representatives.

The members will work together to respond to national decisions by the Government over the coming weeks and months.

Coun Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in unprecedented changes for my council and has a huge impact on local residents, businesses and is felt throughout our communities.

“We have been supporting our communities in every way possible during the pandemic and now we must begin to plan our recovery at this time of uncertainty, to make sure this district is best placed to survive and thrive following the crisis.”

Coun Nadeem Ahmed, leader of the Wakefield Conservative group, said: “I’m pleased to work with the council and partners on how we can best move forward to bring life back into our towns and city, and support local residents and businesses.”

Coun Jeffery added: “By working together, we can build back better and stronger.”

The board will work together to respond appropriately as Government restrictions lift, and the impacts on Wakefield are better understood

It will examine the local impact on employment and ensure businesses have all they need to continue to operate safely.

It will identify how best to support business recovery and vulnerable residents

It will assess the impact on the visitor economy including the city’s culture, leisure, hospitality, events and night time economy offer, including the challenges associated with social distancing.

The first meeting of the Recovery Board will take place on July 6.