South West leaders call for ‘strong response’ to Government consultation on regional partnerships

Business leaders across the South West are being urged to have their say in a Government consultation over fears that the region could ‘lose its voice’ in Westminster under Budget plans.

The consultation focuses on the future of pan-regional partnerships (PRPs) as concern mounts that they could be scrapped following the Budget.

The Great South West says the consultation is “critical” to ensuring the region’s voice is heard on the national stage and in Westminster, while wider discussions on the future of devolution in the South West progress.

The Great South West was established by business, political and education leaders to make the case for the region – which covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and the Isles of Scilly.

It was awarded formal PRP status in 2022 and formed a board led by Karl Tucker, chair of Yeo Valley Farms.

The Great South West is an £81bn economy, home to 3.2m people and over 133,000 businesses. It is one of the top 30 regions in Europe and critical to the UK’s economic security, delivering thousands of jobs and significant investment through opportunities such as at Hinkley Point C and Gravity Smart Campus in Somerset, floating offshore wind and critical minerals in Cornwall, world-leading advanced manufacturing in Plymouth, Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole, underpinned by the region’s reputation as the UK’s defence spine, and key technologies in microelectronics, photonics and satellite capabilities.

However, the Government announced in its recent Budget that it will be holding a national consultation, running for four weeks from 18 November to 16 December, on the future of PRPs such as the Great South West Partnership.

Tucker said: “This consultation is our chance to ensure a powerful, visible voice for the South West at Westminster whilst the ongoing discussions regarding further devolution in the region are completed and the ultimate structures are put in place. I urge every business, local authority, university, FE college and trade and community organisation to take part, and emphasise that there is a real risk that the South West will be left behind during this period if funding for the Great South West PRP is removed now. It is critical that we show the strength and unity of our region, and make clear that working together is the best way to drive economic growth, attract investment, and enhance infrastructure on behalf of our communities.”

Prof Alison Honour, vice chancellor at Bournemouth University and member of the Great South West Partnership Board, said: “The Great South West was built by the region for the region, with years of momentum culminating in its formal recognition in 2022. This is a unique opportunity to keep that voice alive, and continue to advocate for the South West’s priorities in Westminster and beyond.”

David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council and member of the Great South West Partnership board, said: “The Great South West Partnership has been instrumental in ensuring the region’s voice is heard on the national stage. This consultation is a pivotal moment to demonstrate the importance of a unified regional voice in driving investments and infrastructure which are critical to our region, as we continue to work on our devolution options. I urge all businesses, organisations and communities to take part, and help secure our economic growth and influence.”

Mark Hewson, Imerys UK Hub director and Great South West Partnership board member, said: “The Great South West is unique in that we built it as a region – business leaders, universities, MPs and council leaders. Now we need to ensure the new Government understands that the voices of our region must be heard, and that our priorities, infrastructure needs, and investment potential must be fully understood and continued to be championed in Westminster.”

Tucker added: “With our strengths in clean energy, defence and food security, we must continue to push that the Great South West has a vital and unique role in driving the UK economy to deliver on the Government’s missions for growth and net zero, which requires a strong and visible partnership working on the national stage.”