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South West RDA chair highlights the need for strong private
sector involvement in new LEPs
08 September 2010
The chair of the South West RDA has been telling a Government
select committee how important the voice of business will be in the
make-up of the new Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and the
delivery of economic development work in the future.
Sir Harry Studholme appeared before the BIS Select Committee
yesterday (07 September), along with the chairs or chief executives
of four other regional development agencies. The RDAs had been
invited by the Committee to provide their perspective and lessons
learned in developing a sustainable and resilient economy.
RDAs are due to be abolished by the spring of 2012 and some of
their functions will be carried out by LEPs – proposed to be joint
local authority / business groups.
The Committee heard evidence for around 80 minutes from the RDA
leaders, as they discussed some of the challenges ahead such as the
transfer of RDA assets and knowledge, responsibility for inward
investment and how LEPs might be funded, co-ordinated and
staffed.
The RDAs emphasised the economy can only be rebalanced with
effective and direct partnership between the private sector (small,
medium and large companies, and their representatives) and the
public sector. They further noted that RDAs have themselves
benefited strongly from the injection of commercial experience and
acumen into their boards and workforces.
At this critical time for the economy the Agencies reiterated
their support for making the transition to LEPs - and new
nationally-led functions - as smooth as possible. However it was
noted that successful economic development takes time and
expertise.
The Committee also heard about the complexities and diversity of
economic geography and the need for LEPs to cooperate across wider
areas as functional market areas rarely reflect administrative
boundaries.
Speaking after the hearing, Sir Harry said: “This morning was an
important and welcome opportunity to outline to MPs a number of
challenges which are going to be critical in the transition to a
different way of structuring economic development.
“RDAs have been uniquely placed to co-ordinate activity and
investment, to strategically plan to use scarce resources to best
effect, and to bring many partners together onto shared ground.
Each £1 invested by RDAs has directly benefited regional economies
by an average of at least £4.50.
“We’re keen to pass onto ministers and civil servants what we’ve
learned from 11 years of economic development that will help the
English regions in terms of economic recovery. It takes time to
become really effective in this regard, to develop mature networks
and partnerships, and to understand what works in practice – and to
design, develop and deliver effective programmes and projects on
the ground. So we’re glad to have been able to explain these
crucial issues to the committee’s MPs today.”
Ends
Notes to editors
The South West RDA works for and promotes a modern, stronger and
more resilient economy across South West England.
Our work involves creating better jobs, successful businesses,
more prosperous cities, towns and villages within an economy that
uses less carbon and will still be thriving in 20, 50 and 100 years
time.
For more details contact: RDA Press Office, 01392 229567.