LEPs
LEPs braced for shake-up ahead of review
Local enterprise partnerships (LEP) are preparing themselves for a further shake-up amid the second government review of the organisations in three years.
The White Paper recognises coterminosity makes a strategic difference
Abdool Kara asks if the lessons of Lansley will be learned, 'especially the making-redundant-then-rehiring of health professionals strategy that cost the public purse dearly in 2011?'
Groundwork laid for combined authority
Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council are pressing ahead with laying the political groundwork for a combined authority as they await a decision from the Government.
Councils ‘in driving seat’ for UK Shared Prosperity Fund, says Jenrick
Councils will take a leading role in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), local government secretary Robert Jenrick has said.
How to drive a green recovery
Ahmed Goga explains the levers that local and central government policymakers can deploy to drive a green recovery through local enterprise.
A five point plan for economic revolution
As the sparks a revolution in the way we live and work, Mark Bretton outlines the Local Enterprise Partnerships' five point plan for recovery
Tackling the economic impact of COVID in the Morecambe Bay region
Matt Williams outlines how South Lakeland DC is working with other councils and agencies across the region to help businesses and residents withstand the crisis.
Government told to recommit to local industrial strategies
Local industrial strategies (LIS) should be the ‘starting point for economic recovery plans,’ the Government has been told.
Call to 'shore up' worst-hit local economies
The Government should ‘shore up’ the local economies worst affected by coronavirus before levelling up, the Centre for Progressive Policy (CPP) think-tank has said.
Supporting Hertfordshire’s growth in testing times
Patsy Dell is determined to be successful as director of Hertfordshire growth – with the need to support the recovery of key sectors ‘now far more acute than it was at the start of 2020’.
#MyTown - a southern perspective
There is a real risk of ministers overlooking areas in the South which are also in need of a leg up from Whitehall, says Corinne Day.
Hertfordshire’s growing gains
Patsy Dell describes how collaborative working across the two-tier system has delivered a place-based programme that responds proactively to Hertfordshire’s growth ambitions and challenges.
If wholesale restructuring is done it must happen in a manner fit for the 21st century
Jan Britton wonders what lies ahead for local government - and asks if the Government, ‘with its unlikely northern soul and mayoral roots’ will be the one to genuinely deliver on devolution.
Stoke considers EU funding extension application
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is expected to ask for an extension to EU funding to support small businesses.
Too many blurred lines
It is ‘small wonder economic development has failed to deliver in so many places’, says Nigel Wilcox. His message to a future government is that a confusing landscape needs simplified – and combined authorities seem to provide the best solution.
Landscape to deliver growth 'needs simplified'
The head of the Institute of Economic Development has hit out at England’s ‘dazzling array of bodies and schemes’ to deliver growth that are ‘confusing even to seasoned commentators’.
General Election brings uncertainty to improvement plan timetable
Sheila Oxtoby says the General Election calls into question the timetable for starting work on a key project to improve the seafront in Great Yarmouth that would also provide a major year-round boost for the economy.
Lessons learned from two years of the State of Transformation
Benjamin Taylor reviews the landscape of local government transformation over two years of case studies, conferences and academies. The picture that emerges is both a depressing and inspiring one.
Amid Brexit confusion, what about LEPs?
Would it not be better to build strong, accountable devolution across the whole country and hand powers, responsibilities and funding to the combined authorities, asks Heather Jameson.
Staying centred on a ‘One North’ approach
Melvyn Ingleson says the work to date of the Northern Powerhouse 11 Local Enterprise Partnership regions shows there is ‘real enthusiasm’ to deliver on a vision for the North of England.
