Regional Economic Development
Following the General Election, the Government is committed to building a new economic model. This includes the creation of Local Enterprise Partnerships - joint local authority-business bodies brought forward by local authorities themselves to promote local economic development - to replace Regional Development Agencies. in taking this work forward the Government wishes to ensure an orderly transition which maintains focus on delivery. Detailed proposals will follow in due course.
These pages explain how we work in partnership with regional and local bodies to meet our aim by working to promote investment, skills, employment, efficiency, innovation and competitiveness.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has a strong interest in regional economic policy and has the specific responsibility for Regional Development Agencies in England. Communities and Local Government (CLG) has overall responsibility within Whitehall for regional policy.
The Secretaries of State for BIS (Vince Cable) and CLG (Eric Pickles) have written to leaders of Local Authorities and leaders of Business inviting them to work with the Government to help strengthen local economies. The letter is attached here (PDF, 1.9 Mb) .
There are also pages on how we are working with the European Union and internationally to achieve the Department's strategic priorities and to have the greatest impact on productivity.
The role of the Industrial Development Advisory Board, which advises on regional assistance, is explained. Regional Development Strategy is covered, including the policies of Government departments working with devolved administrations.
