31 March 2008
NWDA WELCOMES DEBATE ON ECONOMIC REGENERATION REFORMS
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) today welcomed
the launch of consultation on the Government’s plans to reform
delivery of sustainable economic growth across England.
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.
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.
Today’s consultation paper outlines how 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, said: “We very
much welcome the proposals announced today, they are a vote of
confidence on the ability of the business led RDA’s to deliver
sustainable economic growth and reflect the value we add, along
with our partners, here in the Northwest.
The proposals fit and build on the Northwest model and we will
be working closely with businesses and our partners to implement
them. 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.
The proposals also reflect what businesses have been telling us
about simplifying the business support offer and we will work hard
on implementing the simplification agenda further as we go
forward.
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.
The consultation on the implementation of the Sub-National
Review will run until 20th June 2008.
ENDS