Title

A Cabinet heavyweight and two ministers have challenged the Conservatives over the post-election future of regional government. In another pre-election salvo, business secretary, Lord Mandelson; local government minister, Rosie Winterton; and employment minister, Jim Knight, claimed Tory plans to shelve regional development agencies (RDAs) would hit the UK's fragile economic recovery. Unveiling plans for RDAs to strengthen working with universities across the country, the ministers argued the agencies were also vital to ensure joined-up decisions on planning, transport and developing hi-tech industries which would boost jobs. They claimed the agencies were the only way to deliver government investment cash and make skills training developed to meet the needs of employers. Lord Mandelson told The MJ: ‘We are backing the RDAs very strongly indeed to ensure what is joined up is done so region by region. ‘If the Conservatives maintain their determination to close down the RDAs, then they will be setting back the course of economic growth much quicker. Where else is the hard wiring going to come from? Who else is going to provide the impetus if we do not have regionally-based drivers?' Ms Winterton, added: ‘We have been working very closely with RDAs and local authorities in helping people through the downturn. Councils are critical but it's been about working through a regional framework.' And Mr Knight said the agencies had already ‘brought more coherence to national frameworks.' But the Conservatives remained unconvinced and reaffirmed their commitment to abolish the agencies. Shadow communities secretary, Caroline Spelman, said: ‘Labour ministers have so little confidence in their RDAs that they've already slashed their budgets by £300m. ‘The RDAs' responsibilities for planning, regeneration and skills training are now an utter mess – a confusing proliferation of quangos with no-one in charge.'

Title

WHITEHALL

Mandy backs RDAs

SUBSCRIBE TO CONTINUE READING