The publication of the ‘Strengthened
Local Enterprise Partnerships’ review sees
government delivering on its promise in
the Industrial
Strategy white paper to bring forward reforms
to the leadership, governance and accountability of the
38 LEPs charged
with kick-starting economic growth and creating jobs in
their regions.
The review proposes a number of changes to boost the
performance of LEPs, increase
their diversity and ensure they’re operating in an open
and transparent way. These include:
- up to £20 million of additional funding between
2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020 to support the
implementation of these changes and embed evidence in
Local Industrial Strategies
- supporting LEPs to
consult widely and transparently on appointing new
Chairs and improve board diversity
- a requirement for women to make up at least one
third of LEP boards by 2020 with the expectation of
equal representation by 2023
- a mandate for LEPs to
submit proposals for revised geographies including
removing situations in which 2 LEP geographies overlap
The Communities Secretary, Rt. Hon MP, said:
This publication of the Strengthened Local Enterprise
Partnerships policy represents a step change in
approach for LEPs. We will
continue our work to strengthen these leading
institutions to develop ambitious strategies for
growth and build an economy which is fit for the
future.
Local Growth Minister, MP, said:
We’ve committed over £9 billion to
help LEPs through
3 rounds of Growth Deals to deliver on their
investment priorities, while creating new and
exciting economic opportunities for local businesses
and communities across the country.
This landmark shake-up of our local enterprise
partnerships will help us deliver on our pledge to
deliver over £12 billion through the Local Growth
Fund by 2021 while allowing LEPs to
use their local knowledge to deliver inclusive
growth.
Local Growth Fund
Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role
in driving forward economic growth across the country,
helping to build a country that works for everyone.
By 2021, government will have invested over £12 billion
through the Local Growth Fund,
allowing LEPs to use
their local knowledge to get all areas of the country
firing on all cylinders.
Analysis has shown that every £1 of Local Growth Fund
invested could generate £4.81 in benefits.
The full ‘Strengthened
Local Enterprise Partnerships’ report can be
accessed on GOV.UK
