Ellie Ames 14 July 2023

‘Clear plan’ needed for transfer of LEP functions

‘Clear plan’ needed for transfer of LEP functions image
Image: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock.com.

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.’

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Transformation and Change

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£69,210 - £77,728
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Head of Business Growth and Innovation

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£69,210 - £77,728
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Director of Transport

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£100,088 – £110,736
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Portable Antiquities Scheme Intern

Oxfordshire County Council
£24790 - £24790
About Us This is an exciting time to join the Oxfordshire Museum Service as we continue to develop service structure, and enhance access to our collections and services. Our collection totals 112,000 objects from the palaeolithic era to contemporary coll Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Desktop Support Engineer

West Northamptonshire Council
£34203 - £37067
As a Desktop Support Engineer, you’ll be a key part of our frontline IT support team, ensuring that staff across the council have the tools and assistance they need to work efficiently and effectively. Your work will directly support vital public servic One Angel Square
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council
Linkedin Banner