Ian supports Teesside LEP bid

11.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Jul 2010

Redcar MP Ian Swales is to attend the inaugural discussion about Local Enterprise Partnerships, hosted by the North East Chamber of Commerce on Friday.

The LEPs are intended to replace the Regional Development Agency One North East by taking over functions such as local transport, employment and enterprise, infrastructure, planning, housing and supporting the transition to a low carbon economy.

Speaking today in the House of Commons, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP said of the outgoing Regional Development Agencies, "Our view is that the Government offices had become a representation of Whitehall in the regions, rather than a voice for the regions in Whitehall. Equally, some RDAs do a good job, but many local communities do not identify with regional development agencies. That is why we were right to say that it was up to local communities to come together with the private sector and others to create local enterprise partnerships, which are genuinely representative of what local communities want.

"I recognise that it is very important that the manner in which the local enterprise partnerships are now established-not least in the north-east, which has a strong regional identity-should be shaped around the needs of the communities involved. We look forward to receiving proposals from the north-east for the local enterprise partnerships in the north-east."

In the Evening Gazette's recent survey on identity and local government in which nearly 2,000 people took part, 70% did not feel that any organisation acts as a voice for the area, with only 86 people placing One North East at the top of the pile. Also, 81% of people surveyed want regional development money to be distributed more locally than a central North East pot.

The £1bn Regional Development Fund allows for more locally-minded provisions. Tees Valley Unlimited, who has submitted a bid to create an LEP, says that the area is "different to some parts of the country. Its economy functions around five main towns rather than one major conurbation."

Ian Swales MP said, "I support the bid for a Teesside based LEP. Too many things in our area are controlled from Newcastle and Durham. There are huge opportunities in the Teesside area for all types of business and we need a strong voice to make them happen.

"I hope we can get an LEP with strong leadership. I will do my bit to drive it forward as one of the local MPs. It's time for two North Easts, not One North East!"