Memorandum submitted by South East Chambers
of Commerce (SE 18)
The role of SEEDA and the nature of the RES
must be responsive to the outcome of the SNR and reflect changing
economic conditions. South East Chambers supports the principles
behind SNR that decisions should be made at the appropriate level
in order to support business growth. In practical effect however
there remains a risk that the role of the RDA will become less
effective in delivering significant economic benefits, particularly
if the following issues are not addressed:
— Business engagement—at a
regional, sub-regional or local level it is critical that the
business community has a strong input into policies affecting
economic development which reflects the private sector's role
in generating wealth in the locality. We need agreed key principles
for effective business engagement based upon the experience of
Chambers which we would like to see taken up by the RDA, Local
Authorities and the business community. The business community
needs a direct voice at all levels of economic development decision
making.
— Strategic role—It is essential
that the RDA understands its changing role in delivering a strategic
framework with less emphasis on programme delivery. The RDA will
need to redesign its programme and processes for this new role
and it is highly questionable if the current structures and management
team possess the right skills for this new approach. If it fails
in this new ambition and in effect it becomes "SEEDA lite"
the business community will feel let down.
— World class region—The goal
of SEEDA in establishing a world calls region can only be achieved
if we develop a world class SME business community. Successful
regional economies have successful world class supply chains and
business infrastructure. This can only be achieved through a new
partnership with business and a dialogue is needed to develop
this.
— Value for money—The future
of government intervention will be significantly different from
the past. Big Government is no longer an option. The structures
of business support created by the business community must be
harnessed to greater effect in the delivery of economic growth.
The Chambers of Commerce are ready and waiting for a new delivery
partnership and we need an RDA who sees the benefit of such an
approach.
— Local taxation—with the
UK economy facing a downturn and conditions for enterprise under
threat, the business community is concerned about the variety
of new charges upon business. The combination of Business Rate
Supplements, Community Infrastructure Levies, congestion charging
and Workplace Parking Levies creates an unacceptable level of
unpredictability for businesses. While businesses may want to
contribute to improvements to their locality this process must
be streamlined to provide greater clarity and accountability.
The RDA must champion reduced costs for business freeing up their
income streams for business investment.
— More funding—The South East
is a major part of the engine of the UK economy and too much of
the taxation from this economy is not reinvested in the region.
The best returns on investment must play a stronger part in decision
making and on the basis SEEDA deserves to be better funded always
providing the issues above are addresse.
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