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the words ‘sub national review’ may not instantly enthrall the
average person in business, but in fact this proposal for stronger
economic partnerships in the region will have a profound effect
on every company and individual in yorkshire and humber.
The government review set out proposals for stronger links
between elected local authorities and business-led regional
development agencies (RDAs) such as Yorkshire Forward.
The key change would mean Yorkshire Forward taking a
more strategic role in transport, housing and planning, an idea
welcomed by the agency’s chief executive Tom Riordan: “The
businesses I meet tell me there is some dislocation at the moment
where infrastructure is concerned. These proposals would bring
greater certainty about economic priorities, more joined-up policy
on transport, housing and planning, as well as more effective
working relationships between RDAs and local authorities.”
Riordan points to two practical examples of where this could
make a difference: “For example, facilities like new airports
would in future be developed with good transport links built in
– traditionally this has not happened – and the new partnership
could be instrumental in improving, say, the A63 into Hull, a vital
element in the continued success of Hull.”
He adds: “Transport, housing and planning have a direct impact
on every business in the region. In the future, developments
should only be undertaken when transport and other factors such
as broadband access have been taken into account. Businesses
deserve this level of thinking and partnership.”
the integrateD regional strategy
This integration will be embodied in a single strategy for the region
- The Integrated Regional Strategy (IRS). This will bring together
the current suite of regional strategies and determine how best
to deliver economic development and regeneration.
Yorkshire Forward chief economist Simon Foy explains: “The
Integrated Regional Strategy will incorporate the regional spatial
strategy and the regional economic strategy. The spatial element
will evolve to see Yorkshire Forward taking a more strategic role
in planning, transport and housing, looking at better alignment
of funding, improved partnerships and using a more consistent
evidence base for decision making. The economic element will
ensure that economic development is carried out on a sustainable
and joined up basis. By merging these in the IRS, both elements
will benefit from a unified vision and integrated planning.”
inform september 2008 page 18
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