Local enterprise partnerships (LEP) aren’t part of local government. They aren’t democratic institutions, and aren’t meant to be.

Criticism of LEPs that focuses on their perceived remoteness, secrecy and lack of accountability fails to recognise that they are part of a system of decision-making that has accountability and responsibility at its very core. They sit as part of a web of partnerships – which include democratically elected local authorities – and are held to account for the delivery of their priorities by local business, by local politicians, by Government and by a range of partners.