Addendum by Chief Executive of Barnsley
Council
Barnsley Council welcomes the Government's intention
to give encouragement to local authorities to collaborate together
within a framework of the real economic geography within which
their areas lie.
However, it is apparent that unless there is substantial
delegation of powers from the Government to LEPs then the government
proposals represent no more than what is already possible within
existing powers held by local authorities.
The Council believe that the Government must
establish a clear framework within which national leadership in
skills, innovation, business support and business finance will
allow real freedom for LEPs to tailor strategies and delivery
to their local circumstances.
Barnsley Council is also concerned that the
proposed Regional Growth Fund represents a substantial reduction
of funding for regional development.
If the national economy is to be genuinely rebalanced
it is vital that the RGF is carefully targeted at the areas of
"market failure" ie the most deprived areas of the country
to boost their opportunities to fully contribute to the national
prosperity.
13 August 2010
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