A consultation document outlining proposals on how stronger partnerships between elected local authorities and business-led regional development agencies like Yorkshire Forward could drive greater economic growth in the English regions has been launched by Government.

Views are being sought from across Yorkshire and Humber – and the UK – on how proposals put forward in the Sub National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration (SNR) could be implemented.

The consultation has been welcomed by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward who says it is another vote of confidence in the ability of RDAs like them to lead sustainable economic growth in their regions.

The key driver behind the SNR proposals is the transfer of responsibility for housing, planning and transport to the RDAs, who would take on a more strategic role in the region, driving the development of an Integrated Regional Strategy that would cover all aspects of economic development from business growth to housing and transport infrastructure and the creation of a lower carbon economy.

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In turn, RDAs, including Yorkshire Forward, would be expected to work in even closer partnership with their local authorities –making sure funding for regional growth has the maximum impact at a local level.

And whilst Yorkshire Forward would continue to deliver pan-regional initiatives like Business Support, the attraction of inward investment, encouraging innovation and new ideas in industry and the response to economic shocks like last summers floods, it would be anticipated that some of its existing activities would be delivered at a local level, in line with local priorities.

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward explains: "These proposals are about so much more than who holds the purse strings for economic development in Yorkshire and Humber.

"They bring together the key issues affecting our region's economic growth and ensure that big strategic decisions are made in a joined up way, and as quickly and efficiently as possible – which is what the business community has wanted for a long time."

The consultation document also proposes the formation of a regional forum that would be made up of local authority partners from across the region and feed the development of the new Integrated Regional Strategy.

(JM)