Memorandum from the Environment Agency
(EM 29)
SUMMARY
The Environment Agency welcomes the opportunity
to respond to the East Midlands Regional Select Committee's first
inquiry on the East Midlands Development Agency (emda)
and the delivery of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES).
The Environment Agency is a key partner in the delivery
of sustainable development. We have worked with emda over
a number of years on individual projects, strategies and plans
which have contributed positively to the development of the region,
whilst protecting and enhancing the environment.
The changes to regional governance proposed by the
Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Bill provide
a new opportunity to put sustainable development at the heart
of regional planning, decision-making and subsequent delivery.
Our key points are as follows:
— The effective engagement of partners
in preparing and agreeing the new Regional Strategy will be crucial
to its delivery and effectiveness. This will require specific
mechanisms for engagement.
— With an expanded remit, emda
will need to increase its capacity, skills and resources. For
example to ensure expertise in spatial planning, within the context
of sustainable development.
— It is vital that emda uses
the expertise, skills and data of regional partners in its work
to deliver a sustainable region and a low carbon economy, more
resilient to the impacts of climate change.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Environment Agency is the leading public
organisation for protecting and improving the environment in England
and Wales. We work across all levels of government, with staff
at national, regional and local level. We welcome the opportunity
to respond to this inquiry on the East Midlands Development Agency
(emda) and the Regional Economic Strategy (RES).
1.2 Our response is informed by our work at a regional
level and our involvement as a partner or statutory consultee
in the preparation of the Regional Economic Strategy, Regional
Spatial Strategy, and Strategic Environmental Assessments. It
is also informed by our work with partners to embed sustainable
development within regional and local strategies and plans. Our
comments are grouped under the main areas addressed by the inquiry.
2. THE CHANGES
TO REGIONAL
POLICY PROPOSED
IN THE
LOCAL DEMOCRACY,
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AND CONSTRUCTION
BILL AND
THE POTENTIAL
EFFECT ON
THE WORK
OF EMDA
2. 1 The changes to regional governance proposed
by the Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Bill
provide an opportunity to ensure that sustainable development
is placed at the heart of regional planning, decision-making and
subsequent delivery. The reforms should facilitate a much needed
shift to sustainable economic development, that takes environmental
issues fully into account ultimately leading to a more resource
efficient and lower carbon economy.
2.3 Alongside the Regional Leaders Board of local
authorities, emda will lead the development of a new Regional
Strategy, which will for the first time integrate regional planning
and the economic strategy. The Strategy will play an important
role in setting national policies within the regional context,
identifying critical infrastructure needs and measures to protect
the environment.
2.4 emda's role, and that of all RDAs,
will include facilitating and helping to unlock funds for flood
defence schemes, allowing resilient development to take place
which would not otherwise be possible. To develop and implement
the Regional Strategy emda will need to work closely with
regional partners and facilitate a framework for evidence gathering
and policy making.
2.5 Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) must
have the necessary capacity, skills and resources to discharge
their new responsibilities fully. Expertise and champions for
spatial planning, within the context of sustainable development,
must be established at a Board and technical level. RDAs must
also have access to expertise on key environmental issues including
climate change. This should include working closely with partners
with specific knowledge, skills and data such as the Environment
Agency.
2.6 The Environment Agency has been working
with the environment sector in the Region to develop the structures
needed to facilitate partners' involvement in the development
of the new Regional Strategy. We are also working with the Government
Office and regional partners to commission a report to look at
embedding sustainable development into the new Regional Strategy.
We will work closely with emda and other partners to consider
and implement the recommendations of this report.
3. THE ROLE
OF OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
SUCH AS
THE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE FOR
THE EAST
MIDLANDS, AND
OF PARTNERSHIPS
BETWEEN GOVERNMENT
AGEBNCIES, LOCAL
GOVERNMENT AND
THE PRIVATE
SECTOR, IN
DELIVERING THE
AIMS OF
THE REGIONAL
ECONOMIC STRATEGY
(RES)
3.1 The Environment Agency believes that it
is the responsibility of all partners in the region, not just
emda, to input into the RES and to deliver the actions
which fall within the partners' remit.
3.2 We worked closely with emda and others
in developing sections of the evidence base which underpins the
current RES. We were also involved in helping to develop the implementation
plan for the RES and have incorporated appropriate actions into
our business plans and strategies, which are currently being delivered.
4. HOW WELL
EMDA IS
PERFORMING ON
SUSTAINABILITY
4.1 Embedding the three pillars of sustainable
development right across the work of any RDA is a challenge. This
challenge has increased as a result of the changes begun by the
Sub-National Review. The fragmentation of regional structures
has left the East Midlands as the only region without a functioning
sustainable development champion body. emda's performance
on sustainability should be seen within this context.
4.2 It has sometimes been difficult for emda
to demonstrate that their work gives due attention to environmental
sustainability. However, the Environment Agency is optimistic
about the future leadership of sustainable development in the
region. emda's recent creation of a new Sustainable Development
and Infrastructure Director post, should provide a real focus
for sustainable development in the organisation and the region
as a whole. This will be particularly important as the region
delivers its change management plan.
4.3 The Environment Agency believes that the
changes to regional policy and structures are an opportunity to
ensure that sustainable development is placed at the heart of
the work of emda and other regional bodies. There is an
important role for emda, alongside the Leaders Board, to
show leadership on sustainable development and to facilitate the
supporting structures and partnership working.
4.4 The response to the economic downturn and
measures to promote an economic stimulus should also be consistent
with the principles of sustainability. To ensure the economy of
the region is best placed to come out of a recession in a stronger
and healthy position, it is crucial that new technologies are
embraced and opportunities for businesses to change and diversify
identified.
4.5 There is a real opportunity for the region,
in partnership with emda, to focus on emerging "green"
and sustainable technologies. Many of these technologies can utilise
transferable skills from more traditional manufacturing industries
that may currently be in decline. If this opportunity is embraced,
the regional economy is likely to recover more quickly, be more
diverse, more resource efficient, lower carbon and more sustainable
in the longer term. This type of economic change can only become
a reality if emda works in partnership with businesses
and other partners.
4.6 Supporting businesses, especially SMEs,
by delivering effective and appropriate advice will also be key
to economic recovery. All businesses can benefit from becoming
more resource efficient. This will help with their sustainability,
but can also add to their bottom line and viability during difficult
economic conditions. The Environment Agency is well placed to
play a part in providing appropriate business advice in partnership
with emda and other bodies in the region
4.7 Providing leadership on climate change is
a shared responsibility. Regional bodies such as emda,
the Government Office and the Environment Agency have a significant
role, as do local authorities. The Environment Agency is currently
facilitating a meeting between regional bodies to ensure that
there is robust leadership and governance around East Midlands'
Climate Change Programme of Action to ensure strong ongoing progress
on the ground.
4.8 We welcome emda's involvement in
the Lincolnshire Coastal Study which will determine how development
is taken forward on the Lincolnshire Coast.
5. CONCLUSION
5.1 We look forward to a closer working relationship
with emda as its role develops. We believe it is the responsibility
of all regional bodies and partners to work positively with emda
and the regional Leaders Board to help prepare a sustainable Regional
Strategy.
5.2 It is vital that mechanisms are developed to
enable effective involvement of a wide range of partners in the
work of emda. Partners should be able to contribute their
skills, experience and data, working with emda to ensure
a successful transition to a sustainable Regional Strategy and
subsequent delivery.
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