NWDA AND NWRA TO PROVIDE A JOINT RESPONSE TO DEBATE ON ECONOMIC REGENERATION REFORMS

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the North West Regional Assembly (NWRA) will work together to provide the UK Government with a single, unified, response from the Northwest to the Sub National Review (SNR) consultation.

The consultation paper outlines how the Government plans to implement the proposals of last year’s Sub-National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration, which includes a strengthened role for England’s business-led RDAs and lead responsibility for producing a regional strategy for sustainable economic growth in each region in close partnership with the region’s local authorities, who will have a leading role working through the new Regional Leaders Forum to agree the strategy.

This new regional strategy will set out - for the first time in a single plan - the economic, social and environmental objectives for each region including housing, planning, transport, climate change and economic development. The consultation outlines how the Regional Assemblies and RDAs will work closely with local authorities and other partners to deliver sustainable economic growth in the regions.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA and current RDA Chair of Chairs, said:

“It is vital that we work together and provide one clear message back to Government to show our total commitment to partnership working. We very much welcome the proposals in the consultation, they are a vote of confidence on the ability of the business led RDAs to deliver sustainable economic growth and reflect the value we add, along with our partners, here in the Northwest and I would encourage Government to enable flexibility so that each region can move at its own pace. We are able to move quickly and decisively in the Northwest as this joint response to the consultation shows.

In addition to partnering with the NWRA, we also welcome the opportunity to enhance our already close working relationships with local authorities, with the proposed focus on joint investment planning to ensure that local and regional priorities are aligned to achieve maximum impact.”

Phil Robinson, NWRA Chief Executive, said:

“We welcome the proposals in the consultation and establishment of Regional Leaders Forum, which NWDA and NWRA effectively anticipated so this region is well positioned to help shape change nationally and welcome the enhanced role for sub regions and local authorities in influencing regional strategy and delivering economic growth.

The single regional strategy will streamline decision making and benefit regions which are able to follow a mature partnership model - RDAs developing strategy and Regional Leadership Forums signing off and providing accountability back to the region.”

The consultation document also proposes a second round of Regional Funding Allocations (RFAs) which will allow regions to advise government on their investment priorities, and a stronger role for local government in promoting economic growth.

The consultation paper indicates that the House of Commons Modernisation Committee is looking at establishing regional Parliamentary committees to scrutinise economic development activity in each region.

On 12th May, Rt. Hon. Beverley Hughes MP, Minister for the North West will open the proceedings at a consultation event in Warrington. The event, hosted by Government Office Northwest (GONW) will discuss the Sub National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration. The national consultation on the implementation of the Sub-National Review will run until 20th June 2008.

ENDS

For further information please contact Neil Roscoe, Senior Press Officer on 01925 400232 or mobile 07980 713282 or neil.roscoe@nwda.co.uk

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life

The North West Regional Assembly (NWRA) was set up in the late 1990s to act as a regional partnership working to improve the quality of life for people in the North West. The Assembly works on behalf of the region by influencing government policy to ensure a fairer distribution of investment across the region, and between this region and other parts of the country. During 2006 the North West Regional Assembly took on the role of Regional Housing Board.

The NWRA is a strategic organisation with a broad based representation including local government and business organisations, as well as the voluntary and community sector. It makes decisions on housing, planning and European Affairs on behalf of the region to ensure all areas prosper equally, and for the good of the region as a whole.

The Assembly works closely with the Government Office North West and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), which together form the three key local governance bodies. It also has statutory responsibility for scrutinising the NWDA and as the regional planning body for the North West of England.

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