Assemblies are an indispensable part of effective regional governance

John Healey MP, Financial Secretary to the HM treasury, will be joined by Regional Assembly Members and leading policy makers to debate the role of regional bodies in delivering economic growth at a Labour Party fringe meeting being hosted by the English Regions Network and the Town and Country Planning Association.

Ahead of the fringe, Cllr Peter Box, Vice Chair of the English Regions Network and Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, said,” Decision making by the regions for the regions is far more likely to deliver economic growth than a top down approach.

“Regional Assemblies have become an essential part of effective regional governance in England, working with partners to make tough decisions on regional transport, housing and economic development spending.

“They have put themselves at the vanguard of new forms of inter-regional collaboration which are delivering real and sustainable economic results on the ground.”

With responsibility for spatial planning, transport, housing and sustainable development, Assemblies are setting the high level strategic framework for sustainable economic growth in the regions.

They effectively balance the needs of the region with government objectives ensuring a holistic approach to economic development.

The fringe boasts an impressive line up. John Healey MP, will be joined by Chris Leslie, New Local Government Network, Cllr Peter Box, English Regions Network, Dermot Finch, Institute of Public Policy Research and Gideon Amos, TCPA. The fringe meeting Making England More Competitive – The Regional Contribution will take place at 6.30pm on 27th September at the Novotel.