The Levelling-Up White Paper published today is a clear affirmation of the role LEPs have played in regional economic growth and builds on their recent achievements over the last ten years.
Welcoming the Levelling-Up White Paper today, Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive of D2N2 LEP, said:
“We welcome the new missions outlined in the Levelling Up White Paper today, and we’re pleased to see the Government’s commitment to LEPs, formally embedding them in the policy agenda for the first time.
“Today’s announcement recognises the outstanding contribution LEPs have played in regional economic growth and our collective achievements. We will continue to play a key role in shaping the skills, innovation, regeneration and low carbon agendas, which now form a key part of the Levelling Up agenda.
“The White Paper complements the ambitions we have set out in our recovery and growth strategy, which outlines the role the D2N2 LEP and partners will play in delivering the opportunities in clean growth and decarbonisation and the continued investment in our region to support productivity and inclusive connectivity.
“Today announcement represents Whitehall’s largest devolution of power to local leaders in England in modern times. We welcome the news that Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and Derby and Derbyshire are among the first wave to be invited to agree on new devolution deals. We will work with partners to ensure that these new deals are guided by a strong business voice and deliver improved economic outcomes for our area.
“Businesses across our region will welcome further commitments to Gigabit rollout, as will the commitment to improve employment, productivity, and transport connectivity. Given the success of our Career’s Hub and our delivery of the Government’s Skills Bootcamps initiative, we welcome the news that Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will benefit from the extra funding announced for Education Investment Areas.
“There is still a huge amount of detail to be published. However, we believe LEPS have genuine value, in particular our ability to convene the private sector with the public, education and voluntary sectors. We will look to reframe our delivery plan as an updated offer to the region and the Government, confident that we remain the most effective and efficient way of getting things done. “
