Local economic partnerships ‘supported’ by councils

COUNCILS across the region want to see smaller local economic partnerships created in place of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, it is understood.

It is believed that talks between all 22 councils in Yorkshire and the Humber ended with council chiefs agreeing to support the idea of LEPs.

One partnership – led by councils and businesses and responsible for boosting local economies – is likely to cover Leeds and the surrounding area, known as the city region. Another would cover Sheffield city region, with a third for York and North Yorkshire. There could also be a Humber partnership.

The need for a region-wide economic development body was debated at the meeting but it is understood there were clashes as to whether a similar body to Yorkshire Forward, which is to be abolished by the Government, was needed.

Councils now have to agree a letter to Ministers setting out their position and more detailed plans will be drawn up as the Government prepares to publish a White Paper in the autumn spelling out what powers and funding local economic partnerships will have.