The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is delivering a fairer, more inclusive future for communities across the East Midlands.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has set out a long-term vision to boost jobs, improve transport, build quality homes, and drive green economic growth – ensuring every resident can be proud to call the region home.
The East Midlands Growth Plan outlines significant investment over the next decade, which aims to unlock opportunity and tackle inequality. We are focusing on supporting communities to thrive, regardless of background or postcode, while strengthening the foundations of the regional economy.
Launching the plan, Mayor Claire said: “This plan is about unlocking growth while tackling inequality, creating better jobs, fairer pay, and new opportunities in every community. By working with business, government, and local partners, we can build a stronger, more inclusive economy that delivers for everyone.
“The East Midlands has the people, the ideas and the determination to drive Britain’s growth. We must now turn our potential into prosperity, creating the right conditions for business to thrive and local people to succeed.”
The plan is built around six core ambitions for the future:
At the heart of the Growth Plan is a promise to support tens of thousands of people into training and employment. By investing in education, skills and workforce development, the region aims to help residents access secure, well-paid jobs in growing industries.
The plan also prioritises collaboration with businesses, investors and universities to attract inward investment and create new opportunities.
Housing is another major focus. Thousands of high-quality homes are set to be built each year, with an emphasis on affordability, sustainability and strong community design.
This will ensure that homes meet both current and future needs, helping to create places where people can live healthy, connected lives.
Transport infrastructure will receive more than £2 billion in investment, transforming buses, rail services, cycling routes and wider connectivity.
Stronger transport and digital links are seen as essential to connecting communities with jobs, education and services, while boosting business competitiveness.
Environmental sustainability plays a central role. The East Midlands, once known as the heart of the Industrial Revolution, is positioning itself at the forefront of a new clean energy era.
Future plans include generating an additional 1GW of clean energy, focused on public sector and community projects, and embedding environmental protection into economic development.
Health and wellbeing are also key priorities. The strategy aims to reduce health inequalities, focus more strongly on prevention, and strengthen local services to ensure communities feel supported and included.
By 2035, the plan aims to deliver measurable results.
For residents, the Growth Plan promises more job opportunities, higher wages, better housing, improved transport and a cleaner environment. For businesses, it offers improved access to finance and investment, a stronger local talent pool, upgraded infrastructure, and greater collaboration with public institutions.
Our plan is about ensuring no one is left behind. By combining economic growth with social fairness and environmental responsibility, the East Midlands Growth Plan aims to create lasting prosperity – building a region that is fairer, greener, and better connected for generations to come.
Published on: 24 February 2026
Categories: News, Economic Development