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All RDAs across England are closing by March 2012 (see transition and closure section). With our resources reducing steadily, this page has not been recently updated and the information below may not be current. If in doubt, please contact us directly.

Regional Economic Task Group (RETG)

The South West Regional Economic Task Group has been created to help government and the region understand the impact of the economic downturn, and to ensure that the South West responds effectively.

Chaired by our Regional Minister, Jim Knight MP, the Group is meeting monthly, and includes representation from the South West RDA, Government Office, Jobcentre Plus, Learning and Skills Council, Housing and Communities Agency, local authorities and NHS South West, along with representatives from business, trades unions and the voluntary sector.

The Group's remit is to:

  • assess the regional impact of current economic uncertainties provide a conduit for the Regional Minister to discuss economic challenges with private and
  • public sector bodies, and for the views of South West regional stakeholders to be represented at national level
  • provide a structure through which problems affecting particular sectors or sub-regions / localities can be addressed, ideas can be harnessed, and public sector intervention be co-ordinated to optimum effect

The aim is to ensure that the South West is as well placed as possible to weather the economic troubles ahead. Several priority work strands and Action Groups have been set up to drive the Group’s work forward.

Millennium Square, Bristol city centre

An aerial view of countryside South Devon