William Eichler 04 August 2023

LEP functions to be transferred to upper-tier councils

The Government has today confirmed it will transfer many of the functions undertaken by Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to upper-tier councils and combined authorities.

The announcement by the Department for Business & Trade and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities confirms that by March 2024, county councils, unitary authorities and combined authorities will take on the economic growth and business representation functions of LEPS.

Announced in the spring budget, the Government today said the move would be supported by revenue funding in 2024/25, adding that the details would be ‘confirmed in due course.’

Cllr Tim Oliver, CCN chairman and leader of Surrey County Councils, welcomed the announcement.

‘Today’s decision by the Government is a decisive one and very welcome, drawing a line under recent uncertainty and allows us to get on with integrating Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) functions into upper-tier councils and combined authorities.’

Cllr Oliver also added that LEPs should only continue to function following consultation with the relevant upper-tier council to avoid ‘duplication and confusion locally’.

#LEPs #Economic growth #Business

Analysis

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.

Opinion

Parks: Councils' secret weapon, not an easy cut

Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd tells LocalGov why councils weighing cuts to green spaces are missing the bigger picture.

Most Popular News

EXCLUSIVE: Reorganisation shake-up

Think tank warns of growing child poverty crisis

Future Sheffield: How one city council is upskilling its workforce

Government publishes social cohesion action plan

Devo minister resigns

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Head of Transport Strategy

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

£71,425 - £80,216 per annum

This is a highly influential role responsible for developing the region’s statutory Local Transport Plan York, North Yorkshire

Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Head of Transport Programmes

£71,425 - £80,216 per annum

As Head of Transport Programmes, you will be responsible for overseeing the delivery and assurance of a substantial programme of transport investment. York, North Yorkshire

Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Head of Public Transport

£71,425 - £80,216 per annum

As Head of Public Transport, you will lead one of the most high-profile and strategically important areas within our portfolio. York, North Yorkshire

Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Asset Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Up to £53076 per annum

Shape the future of our homes and build spaces where our communities can truly thrive.As an Asset Manager, you'll help shape the physical future of Ke England, London, West End

Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council