Written evidence from De Montfort University
1. SUMMARY
1.1 De Montfort University is supportive
of the development of the new Local Enterprise Partnerships to
drive forward the economic development of local integrated economic
areas.
1.2 Neighbouring LEPs must work together on major
cross boundary issues and look to share resources if appropriate.
1.3 Universities should be represented in
their own right on LEP Boards.
1.4 The Regional Growth Fund should be seen
as a long-term enabler of economic transformation, not as a short-term
fix.
1.5 Priorities for local economic development
and decisions about the allocation of funding should be evidence
based.
2. DE MONTFORT
UNIVERSITY
2.1 De Montfort University is one of the
leading universities for professional and creative education.
Our expertise is underpinned by world-leading research and high
quality teaching, and our links with a wide range of industries
produce successful and highly employable graduates.
2.2 Our partnerships and professional training
lead the way, with organisations such as the NHS and police forces
benefiting from our skills, and companies such as Astra Zeneca
and Pepsi-Co drawing on our wealth of experience.
2.3 At a local level, De Montfort University
creates and inspires culture and business, is an active player
in local economic and community partnerships, and our international
collaborations mean that our graduates are making their mark across
the globe.
3. OUR EVIDENCE
3.1 These comments are based on information
received to date, while we await the publication of the White
Paper promised later in the Summer.
3.2 Economic issues need to be managed at the
most suitable level—international, national, regional or
local and we generally support the Government's aspiration of
the localisation of decision making where appropriate. Therefore,
we welcome the move towards the proposed Local Enterprise Partnerships,
focusing on the needs and opportunities of local integrated economic
areas.
3.3 We recognise that the East Midlands Regional
Development Agency has been one of the more successful of the
RDA's (National Audit Office Independent Supplementary Review
May 2010). Emda was assessed as demonstrating strong performance
in the three areas under review and it is important that this
strong performance in carried through in any new arrangements.
3.4 It is crucial that the LEPs concentrate
on distinct economic areas of sufficient size and level of GDP,
based on travel to work, and common or complimentary retail patterns
and transport links. It is important that their development is
not used to bring in a new regional infrastructure.
3.5 On the other hand, there needs to be processes
in place to ensure co-ordination and possible partnership arrangements
between LEPs for the larger, cross-boundary projects, and/or to
share resources. Sharing resources may be helpful in achieving
better value for money across neighbouring LEPs.
3.6 It is important that LEPs do tackle the
issues set out in the Secretary of State's letter of 29 June:
planning, housing, local transport and infrastructure, employment
and enterprise and the transition to the low carbon economy. All
these issues need to addressed more widely than just in single
local authorities.
3.7 We support the creation of partnership boards
with equal representation from business and local authorities,
and with representation from the voluntary sector. Universities,
as significant economic players, should be represented in their
own right. The board should be chaired by a leading business person
or possibly, if there is an elected Mayor, by the Mayor.
3.8 With regard to the Regional Growth Fund,
we would like to make one particular comment. Local economic transformation
is not likely to be a short term-fix—it will take time.
Therefore, the strategic focus and longevity of the fund are vital
if we are going to make a real difference in local economies.
3.9 Priorities for local economic development
and the allocation of funding should be based on evidence, an
important role for the Universities.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Neighbouring LEPs should be encouraged to
share resources as appropriate.
4.2 Universities should be represented in their
own right on LEP Boards.
4.3 The Regional Growth Fund should be seen
as a long-term enabler of economic transformation.
13 August 2010
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