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There has been a flurry of activity in recent months over the role local authorities play with regard to economic development and regeneration. Currently, as local authorities, we really only have a general duty to facilitate economic, social and environmental improvements under the Local Government Acts 2000 and 2003, despite, in many areas, regeneration activity being at the heart of the place-shaping and community leadership agenda. However, it seems all of this is about to change, with the emphasis on our role in leading and facilitating economic prosperity being officially recognised and championed through a range of publications, eg, volume II of Strong and prosperous communities, the planning White Paper, the publication of the sub-national review of economic development and regeneration (SNR), and the recently-circulated issues paper on LABGI – the local authority business growth incentives scheme. With all of these recent policy introductions, and the consideration of a duty for economic development and regeneration for local authorities, it will be important to ensure these changes are used as an opportunity to simplify and streamline processes and systems to create economically-viable localities which are competitive in the local economy. If we miss this trick, and start to complicate rather than clarify, then we run the risk of alienating one of the key regeneration allies – the private sector. All of these policy changes will undoubtedly not be as high up on their radar as it is ours – if it is there at all – and any sniff of additional bureaucracy or red tape could jeopardise the unique and complementary way developments happen within our areas to positively impact on the physical, social and economic landscapes of our communities. Economic development and regeneration is a major priority for Allerdale and West Cumbria, and we are being successful in attracting national projects such as the recently-announced National Skills Academy for Nuclear which is part of our wider regeneration agenda. We are excited about the ever-growing role and responsibility for us to drive forward the revitalisation of our areas, and we will be doing all we can to clarify, not complicate, this agenda for the benefit of our communities and stakeholders. The benefits from regeneration come from delivery, so we need to keep this free from tape of any colour. Gillian Bishop is chief executive of Allerdale BC

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ECONOMIC GROWTH

District View

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