Kent’s £18bn economy ranks it as the 6th largest of the 171 county and unitary areas in England and Wales. Growth in jobs and businesses has been above the national average and inward investment continues to bring in new enterprises and knowledge-based activities.
Kent’s accessibility will improve over the next few years with the launch of Eurostar rail services from Ebbsfleet International Station in November 2007. The start of high speed domestic services in 2009 will bring Kent and London closer, enhancing investment potential for Thames Gateway Kent, Ashford and East Kent.
Increasing oil prices, fears over energy security, and the Government’s 2006 Stern Report on the economics of climate change, offer Kent major opportunities to develop as an exemplar low carbon economy and leader in the field of alternative and renewable energy. This is underlined by investment in the Kentish Flats and London Array offshore wind farms. |
In August 2007 the Panel reported on the draft South East Plan (SEP) recommending an increase in housing provision across the region from 28,900 to 32,000 per annum. Most of this increase will be outside Kent but an additional 9,580 houses in Kent are recommended across the Plan period of 2006-2026.
Increasing the supply of affordable housing is an issue recognised by the SEP Panel but levels for most of Kent are recommended at 30% compared with the South East’s 35%. The Panel also recognises the need for investment in crucial Kent infrastructure to support housing provision and job creation.
Competitiveness indicators
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