Every pound invested by regional development agencies generates £4.50 for sub-national economies, research suggests. A government-commissioned study by auditor Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC), published on 31 March, led the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to conclude RDAs ‘are making a real difference'. The report followed Conservative Party warnings that it could scrap RDAs, if the Tories won control at the next general election. Business secretary, Lord Mandelson, said: ‘The RDAs are working. ‘We have clear evidence that their programmes are helping to drive regional economies – creating jobs, helping businesses and boosting skills.