05 January 2010
Consultation begins on new Strategy for the Northwest
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and 4NW, the
Regional Leaders Board, have this week begun a region-wide
consultation programme to inform the development of the Northwest’s
new integrated Regional Strategy (RS2010).
The Strategy, which has been developed through a partnership
between the NWDA and 4NW on behalf of the region, outlines proposed
priorities for the Northwest’s long-term development,
including:
• Capitalising on the opportunities of moving to a low
carbon economy and addressing climate change
• Building on the region’s sources of international
competitive advantage and regional distinctiveness
• Releasing the potential of the region’s people and tackling
poverty
• Ensuing the right housing and infrastructure for sustainable
growth.
Robert Hough, Chairman of the NWDA, said:
“The development of RS2010 offers a unique opportunity to bring
economic, environmental and social priorities together into a
single vision for the region’s development over the next 20 years.
The start of consultation on draft 1 is a significant milestone in
the development of this crucial strategy and, as the first region
to reach this stage, demonstrates the Northwest once again leading
the way.”
Councillor Sir Richard Leese, Chairman of 4NW, the Regional
Leaders Board, added:
“We have a strong tradition of working in partnership in the
Northwest and we are confident that the new strategy will build on
this to play a pivotal role in driving investment and development
in the region. Our objective must be excellent quality of life for
all – and that to do this we must become more prosperous, more
equitable and a lot less carbon dependent so that by 2030 the
Northwest is a better place to live, learn, work, visit and
invest.”
The Northwest is the first region to begin working on an integrated
regional strategy, building on the learning gained in developing
the Regional Economic Strategy, the Regional Spatial Strategy and
the Regional Housing Strategy. The Local Democracy, Economic
Development and Construction Act 2009 now makes it a statutory
requirement for RDAs and Local Authority Leaders Boards to develop
integrated regional strategies to promote sustainable economic
growth and contribute to sustainable development in their
regions.
A draft Part 1 consultation document has been prepared by the
Agency and 4NW, in collaboration with partners from the private,
public and third sectors. It has been informed by the development
of a substantial evidence base, as well as the Principles and
Issues consultation in 2009, which agreed the headline vision,
outcomes and values on which RS2010 should be based.
RS2010 is being developed in two parts. The draft Part 1
outlines the high-level strategic framework. Part 2 and an
Implementation Framework will set out the detailed policies and
actions to deliver the strategic priorities. Following the
consultation process, a revised Part 1 together with a draft Part 2
and Implementation Plan will then be prepared later this year, and
subject to a formal 12 week statutory consultation in preparation
for an Examination in Public.
NWDA Chairman Robert Hough added:
“Through the development of a strong evidence base, the Agency
and 4NW have worked closely with the public and private sector to
develop the first part of the framework and I would now urge as
many people as possible to get involved in the consultation process
to help shape the strategy. This is the region’s strategy and input
from the region is absolutely crucial to its success.”
Consultation events in each of the five sub-regions will be
taking place across the region during the consultation process. The
document is available to download - http://www.nwregionalstrategy.com/
Ends
Note to Editors
4NW is the Regional Leaders Board for the Northwest of England.
We place public, private and third sector stakeholders at the heart
of decisions that shape the future of the Northwest, its people and
places. 4NW has responsibility for housing, planning, transport and
economic development.
4NW has a board of members including council leaders from each
of the five sub-regions, Cumbria, Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside
and Greater Manchester, along with seven representatives from the
private, non-governmental sector such as Manchester Airport Group,
North West Universities Association and the North West Trades Union
Congress - people who are responsible for delivering the strategy
proposals at local level in the Northwest.
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
For further information please contact Sarah Moston, Press Officer
on 01925 400 552 or 07810 528 471 or Sarah.Moston@nwda.co.uk
For further information and to view all press releases visit us
at www.nwda.co.uk/press