The County Councils Network (CCN) has called on the Government to set out a ‘clear and decisive’ framework for the transition of Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) functions to local authorities.
In February, the Government announced its intention to transfer the functions of LEPs to councils, after questions were raised about the effectiveness and democratic legitimacy of the partnerships.
A report by EY and commissioned by the CCN has explored how an effective transition could be achieved.
The CCN said the report found that ‘county authorities are well positioned to take over LEP functions’ because they have the necessary strategic scale, convening powers to bring local business on board, and strong democratic accountability and governance.
The network said the Government should set out a transition framework later this month alongside its formal announcement on the future of LEPs.
County leaders have raised concerns about an incomplete decision from the Government, which either allows LEPs to continue in some form or takes a piecemeal approach to transferring functions.
CCN chairman Cllr Tim Oliver said there was already an imbalance of power between councils because LEPs in some parts of England had been subsumed into city areas with mayors and devolution deals.
Cllr Oliver said: ‘EY’s analysis shows that county authorities are well placed to absorb the functions of LEPs from April 2024. However, we need government to be decisive and quick; otherwise county areas will continue to be left at an economic disadvantage.’
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