NP11 Response to Government Announcement on LEPs
Transfer of LEP functions to local authorities
Today the government announced, as expected, that it is to withdraw central government support (core funding) for Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) from April 2024 and transfer their functions to local authorities where they are not already being delivered by combined authorities or the Greater London Authority.
Below is the response from the NP11 - a business-led voice for the North that brings together the 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across the North of England.
Clare Hayward MBE DL, Chair of the NP11 group of northern Local Enterprise Partnerships and chair of the Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “Today’s clarification on local economic development functions is an important step for the North. Strengthened public and private sector partnership-working will remain crucial to supporting the northern and national economy through current challenges.
“The NP11 looks forward to continuing driving public and private sector collaboration across the North as it looks to new pan-regional partnership arrangements, following confirmation of continued Government backing for our work last month.
“We are keen for the Government to accelerate conversations with those parts of the North currently without a devolution deal to ensure all parts of our region can benefit from enhanced local decision-making and investment.”
Please also find attached a copy of the letter from Dehenna Davison MP, Minister for Levelling Up confirming the transfer of LEPS and a link to the technical guidance the government has issued for LEPs and local authorities to support them through this policy change.
Transfer of Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Core Functions to Combined and Local Authorities
Transfer Of LEP Core Functions LEP Chairs Mayors And LA Leaders
DATE ADDED: 8/7/2023 9:28:22 AM