Thomas Bridge 03 September 2014

Calls for LEPs shake up amid ‘widespread confusion’ over purpose

A major shake up of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) must take place to address ‘widespread confusion’ surrounding their role, groups have warned.

The Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have urged the Government to take ‘a fresh look’ at the role of LEPs after a report revealed national uncertainty over their purpose in driving growth.

A survey of local government representatives, businesses and LEPs found the public-private bodies are thought of as ‘too remote’ from their local economies – with some local authorities feeling ‘out of the loop’.

While LEPs hold influence over £17bn of public funding, confusion over their role has led to a lack of accountability and transparency – according to CLS and the FSB.

However the poll also revealed only 18% of LEPs believe that they are adequately resourced.

‘LEPs have had a short life, but misunderstandings around their purpose and usefulness abound,’ said Neil McInroy, chief executive of CLES.

‘They have been slow to get going, been stifled by centralism with a reluctance to devolve powers, responsibilities, or funding, and tend to be dominated by big business with little affinity to place.

‘They must continue but we need fundamental change. LEPs should embed small business more effectively into their structures and activities and join up far more effectively than is currently the case with local government over economic development and wider social issues,’ McInroy added.

John Allan, national chairman of the FSB, added: ‘Because the sums of money involved will increase substantially, it is vital that LEPs are more accountable and transparent so local authorities, businesses and the public can be confident they will deliver for the local economy and are using taxpayer funds effectively.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Development Management Service Manager - WMF2347e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£65,873 - £68,775
The Development Management service plays a vital role in shaping the built environment. Cumbria / Countywide
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Children's services

North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council
£123,550 pa
We are looking for a visionary and values-driven Director of Children's services North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear
Recuriter: North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council

Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting

Suffolk County Council
£88,225 - £105,726 per annum
This is a time of exciting and positive change in Suffolk. Suffolk
Recuriter: Suffolk County Council

LGV Driver

North Yorkshire Council
£34,094 - £37,225 per annum pro rata
Would you like a rewarding role that allows you to work outside in some of the most scenic places in the country? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Mobile Cleansing Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£24,796 - £25,989 per annum
Are you passionate about keeping communities clean and welcoming? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner