The next government should consider merging some regional development agencies after the next general election, according to a think-tank. A new report from the Centre for Cities called on ministers to focus more on where economic development and investment is most needed – such as Northern and Midlands cities. The group argued RDAs were not delivering on their two-part government target to reduce the gap in economic growth rates between England's regions, and promote growth in all regions. It backed the claim with research, claiming that during the first seven years of the RDAs' existence (1999 to 2006), the greater South East economy grew by almost 18%, whereas the rest of England's economy grew by just 15%. It called for a Northern Development Agency to replace the current three Northern RDAs, arguing cities such as Liverpool and Sunderland would benefit from being part of a unified ‘Northern' brand. Dermot Finch, director, said: ‘There is uncertainty about the future of RDAs. We will not need an RDA in every English region. RDAs should be streamlined, and focused on boosting growth in lagging areas. After the next election, a single development agency for the North would be a good way forward.'
