Local authority leaders have urged the Government to give councils statutory powers over economic development.
The joint call by the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (Solace) and the think tank Institute for Economic Development (IED) was made today at the UK's Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF).
Solace and IED say statutory powers over economic development would enable local authorities to more effectively help create jobs and attract investment into local areas.
Robin Tuddenham, Solace policy spokesperson for Economic Prosperity, and chief executive at Calderdale Council, said: ‘[C]ouncils, with their local knowledge and ability to bring different organisations together, have always played an important role in economic development and planning the best for their places.
‘However, if given a legal duty over economic development, councils could do so much more to create thriving economic conditions and the quality jobs that local businesses and people want and need.’
Solace president Matt Prosser, who is also chief executive at Dorset Council, added: ‘With the 2023 Spring Budget confirming the Government’s intention to transfer the functions of Local Enterprise Partnerships to local government from April 2024, a strengthened local government role is essential to realising the country’s growth aspirations.’
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