Annex 2: Visit note—meeting with
South West Regional Assembly Social Partners, 6 June 2006
On 6-7 June 2006, the Committee visited Exeter, Exmouth
and Bristol for its inquiry, Is there a future for Regional
Government? The following notes were made at an informal
meeting held at Exeter County Hall with the Social Partners of
the South West Regional Assembly.
Assembly Social Partners - List of Participants
Ms Helen Scadding (Voluntary
and Community Sector)
Mr Ian Ducat (Business
and Economic Sector, Trade Unions)
Ms Cate le Grice Mack
(Environment Sector)
Mr John Matthews (Business
& Economic Sector, Trade Unions)
Mr Ian Munro (Learning,
Skills & Business Support)
Mr John Wilkinson (Business
& Economic Sector, CBI)
Ms Heather Pencavel (Faith
Community)
Ms Sheila Johns (Business
and Economic Sector, Trade Unions)
Mr Wilkinson argued that
scrutiny at a regional level was working and had been assessed
as such. The Regional Assembly carried out its work and functions
reasonably well. He thought that Regional Assemblies were necessary,
and if they didn't exist they would have to be created. There
was an issue however with the attendance levels at regional assemblies,
as a number of local authority representatives did not attend
as frequently as they could.
Ms Scadding stated that
the SEEPs were working together effectively at a local, sub-regional,
national and now regional level. The formation of Regional Assembly
and the SEEP group has been useful in providing a regional discussion
forum. She argued that there was an issue about the lack of regional
leadership that needed to be addressed; this included addressing
the role of GOSW, which currently had a strict remit.
Ms le Grice Mack explained
that much debate had taken place within the Regional Assembly
about the principles for decision-making within the RA, in particular
agreeing that there was a need to compromise in the interests
of the greater good. An example of this approach was the RA's
recognition that the transport and economic development of the
Bristol area was beneficial for the whole of the South West. This
had been recognised by most RA members.
Ms Pencambel explained
that she was appointed on an annual basis to represent the faith
community on the Regional Assembly. She explained that she was
accountable to the specific bodies that she represents, including
the SW Council for Faith and Churches Regional Forum. This body
was composed of all the religious leaders within the region and
on these grounds could be seen as holding democratic legitimacy.
Mr Matthews explained
that he had been appointed to represent the agricultural sector
by a number of bodies and that he reported back to them.
Mr Matthews expressed
some concern that the debate in regard to the city-regions would
detract focus from rural areas. Those that lived in rural areas
had fought for their business economic role to be recognised.
An example of this in practice was agricultural farm workshops
that made an important contribution to the economy. He felt that
there was a risk that the city-regions focus moves away from a
focus on small-scale developments that are more sustainable.
Mr Wilkinson stated that
counties were currently working, so did not see the basis for
setting up city-regions, and was not clear how the boundaries
would be set.
Ms le Grice Mack stated
that it was difficult to debate city-regions without clarity and
details of what the definition and proposals were. She stated
that she was not convinced that new structures would add any value,
given that partnership working was already in place.
Ms Scadding explained
that she was elected by the SW Voluntary Forum. She stated that
current partnership working was effective within the region, and
there was not a case for the establishment of a new structure,
such as a city-region, within the area.
Mr Matthews welcomed the
possibility of a minister with a regional remit for the South
West.
Ms Scadding stated that
a regional minister would fill a vacuum, by championing regional
issues and improving accountability. The participants were receptive
to suggestions from the Chair in regard to the possibility of
debates on regional issues within Westminster Hall, and the possible
establishment of regional committees within the House of Commons.
Mr Wilkinson argued that
although regional assembly members were not elected they were
accountable to their relevant bodies, and that in particular the
SEEPs add value to the RA through their social and economic focus.
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