Hough seeks clarity from ‘inconsistent’ Tories

THE chairman of the North West Development Agency (NWDA) has spoken of the “inconsistent” Conservative approach to regional development agencies.

Robert Hough told TheBusinessDesk.com there had been a “policy of inconsistency from different spokespeople” on the subject which had left the “landscape uncertain and the outcome unclear”.

Last year the Conservatives pledged to abolish the RDAs, along with other quangos, if they win power.

But their position has since softened. In December shadow communities secretary Caroline Spelman outlined a plan to increase the role of local authorities and replace development agencies with Local Enterprise Partnerships.

And last week party leader David Cameron said he would consider alternatives but RDAs could stay. Shadow business secretary Ken Clarke then told business leaders in the North East earlier this month that he wanted to crack down on the, “last arms of John Prescott’s unwanted plans for regional governance”.

He said the region would have to make a strong case to prove “it really wanted to preserve” the One North East development agency.

Mr Hough described the NWDA as a “fulcrum for regional cohesion” and without it there would be, “fragmentation”.

“This is not a statement of self-preservation; I’m a strong believer in that model to provide the best for the region as a whole,” said Mr Hough.

“I don’t think enterprise boards would address that point. The region has a population of 7 million – larger than some EU states – and it does require a broader view than breaking it up into enterprise boards.”

He added: “This decision will have an impact on the North West for decades.”