Collaborative board takes steps to maximise economic growth

A statutory body to maximise economic growth in the North East has been proposed by a collaborative board of seven local authorities within the region.

The LA7 Leadership Board, formed of representatives from the seven authorities within the North East Local Enterprise Partnership area have published a statement of intent, their first document.

Constituent councils from Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland intend to develop governance arrangements to maximise economic growth and address some of the issues highlighted by the North East Independent Economic Review.

The LA7 Leadership Board will now develop a bespoke model for the new body, tailored to the issues, challenges and opportunities particular to the North East.

The intention is to develop governance arrangements which support closer collaboration between local authorities in the North East and greater devolution of powers to the North East, maximising some of the opportunities set out in the Heseltine Review.

As a first step, the board is carrying out a governance review to consider the issues in detail and to develop a draft scheme for consultation by the end of May.

The board focused primarily on economic growth, skills and transport and to spur on economic growth they proposed the creation of a joint Growth Plan for the region, which will set out how greater prosperity is delivered.

On transport, a new organisation with a remit covering transport for the whole of the LA7 area could be created, along with improved use of technology and the seeking of further devolution of transport responsibilities to the region.

In skills, it is proposed that a skills system is developed that will bring greater employer influence, increasing the numbers of people with higher level skills and investing in high quality advice and guidance.

Chair of the LA7 Leadership Board and Leader of Gateshead Council, Mick Henry, said: “The seven North East local authorities have a very successful record of working together on major issues for the benefit of the region as a whole.

“We all share the ambition to create the best possible conditions for growth.

“This region needs new jobs, investment and improvements to infrastructure.

“We hope that a single body, challenged with delivering real results for the region around transport, skills and economic growth, can be truly transformational, and we welcome Lord Adonis’ recognition of the opportunity this creates in his Review.

“As well as working closely with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, this will be a body that has to work with a huge variety of stakeholders to move the whole region forward, and that’s why it’s vital that we speak to as many partners and stakeholders as possible, including businesses”.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →