DISTRICT council leader, Lynden Stowe, has praised the achievements of businesses which have contributed to the district achieving the second lowest rate of unemployment nationally.

Figures for December last year, released recently, show that 315 people (about 0.6 per cent of the working population) in the Cotswold district were claiming job seekers allowance.

The figures are the lowest recorded since job seekers allowance started, and the numbers of claimants have halved since December 2013.

Cllr Stowe said the achievements of businesses, entrepreneurs and institutions has helped the district achieve the figures.

He said: “We have world class companies across the Cotswolds, including Campden BRI which is a pioneer in the field of food and drink research, wealth management leader St James Place, the renowned Royal Agricultural University, Autosleepers in Willersey and many more.

“On the whole, these and other local firms weathered the recession very well in comparison to many other areas, and are now beginning to reap the dividends of a national economic recovery. Their success tends to attract other firms and entrepreneurs and the end result is a growing local economy creating good quality jobs.

“At the council we value these companies and the prosperity they create very much, to the extent that we use the local unemployment rate as one of our key measures when assessing our own efficiency. We are committed to supporting this encouraging trend in economic activity by keeping down the cost of business rates, freezing prices for parking and leisure facilities, and working with businesses through the planning system to develop sensible and sustainable development. More generally, we strive to maintain the Cotswolds as a desirable area to live with good schools, shops and restaurants, quality housing, and a wide range of great things to see and do –the best possible environment for businesses to grow.”