10 April 2008

The Regional Executive Board met on Thursday 10 April at the Assembly offices. A round up from this meeting follows, and the agenda and papers are available to download below.

Sub National Review

Regional Minister Rosie Winterton attended the meeting for discussion on the latest developments involved in the Government’s Sub-National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration (SNR), which has a number of implications for regional and sub-regional level working.

The Government has now published details of its consultation on the SNR, which will see Assemblies phased out from 2010 and greater powers for local authorities and Regional Development Agencies (RDAs).

Margaret Jackson, from Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, outlined details contained in the consultation paper, stressing that Government was not intending to be prescriptive about future regional arrangements and that the consultation offered regional partners an opportunity to shape work and structures involved.

Members discussed a number of issues, including concerns over the future development, sign off and ownership of the Single Regional Strategy, the loss of regional planning to the RDAs, housing, scrutiny, city regions and the future role of Social, Economic and Environmental partners in arrangements.

The Minister said she was hoping to help key stakeholders in Yorkshire and Humber reach a collective agreement on proposals which she could then promote to Government.

Members stressed the need to co-ordinate and facilitate the different sectoral responses to the SNR and that a detailed timetable should be developed. For more details contact Rob Warm on 01924 331562, email rob.warm@yhassembly.gov.uk.

Assembly Future Arrangements

Following discussion at the last REB meeting, members were updated with details of potential redundancy costs and other liabilities that might result from the winding up of the Assembly through development of the SNR process.

The obligations fall under two categories - employment liabilities and legal obligations. Issues over the potential transfer and redeployment of staff were discussed, with members re-iterating a commitment to assisting employees through the transition period and taking a collective approach to seeking appropriate employment for staff. For more details contact Chris Martin on 01924 331591, email Chris.martin@yhassembly.gov.uk.