Wakefield Futures working to bridge the gap
Monday, January 20, 2025
Wakefield Council and the Chair of the new Wakefield Futures Commission has welcomed a report from a national thinktank which reinforces the benefits of a highly skilled workforce.
Improved productivity, a stronger local economy and more money in people’s pockets are all part of Wakefield’s ambition.
“This report shows the vital importance of the Wakefield Futures Commission's work, to help us to understand the barriers to getting higher level skills in our district.
“We want the very best for our residents. And by addressing this gap, this will then lead to higher wages for workers and a better quality of life for our residents. This is turn will support local businesses and contribute to a thriving and growing economy.”
Cllr Michael Graham
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth

Cities Outlook 2025 has been released by Centre for Cities. It is a data driven analysis of our current economic landscape, identifying challenges and opportunities for urban centres.
The report identifies the variation in skills and wages across the country, what drives this and what Government policy is needed to achieve the aim of raising living standards everywhere.
Wakefield is named as one of the top ten cities with the lowest percentage of people with high-level qualifications in the Centre for Cities report.
Wakefield Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, launched the Commission last month to consider the skills and educational needs of the district. It is chaired by Professor Sir Chris Husbands, former Vice-Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University.
“Today’s report showcases the importance of having a national policy with localised interventions that support higher living standards.
“Through the Wakefield Futures Commission, we will be drawing on local experience to find solutions to the skills gap and improve living standards.
“It is our intention, that once the work of the Commission is finished, we will feed our findings into Government to help shape policy nationally.”
Professor Sir Chris Husbands

The Wakefield Futures Commission brings together industry experts, from education and economic policy. Between now and June 2025, it will review and carry out research to determine how the district can support more local people to access high skilled jobs and create and attract high-level skilled workers to our area. These are both essential for sustained economic growth.
The Centre for Cities report is available at www.centreforcities.org/reader/cities-outlook-2025/city-monitor/
Or for more information about Wakefield Futures visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/your-district/wakefield-futures-commission-to-meet-demand-for-degree-level-skills-in-wakefield/