A dedicated Evidence Base report has been produced to inform the development of the Strategy. This brings together data and insights gathered from desk research and a round of 1-1 scoping calls with local stakeholders, identifying the key opportunities and challenges for Westmorland and Furness. The evidence is grouped and presented by three core themes –People, Prosperity and Place –and two cross cutting themes –green growth and inclusive growth. The findings of the evidence base are being used to inform the development of the strategy’s underpinning vision and strategic framework and will support the identification of strategic priorities and actions.
 
Recognising that an extensive body of relevant evidence already exists for Westmorland and Furness and Cumbria, the Evidence Base focused upon collating and synthesising existing data and intelligence, drawing on key local data sources and dashboards such as the Cumbria Economy Tracker which brings together a wide range of government datasets. Innovative datasets such as Growth Flag and The Data City have been drawn upon to provide supplementary insight.