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The Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies

Select Committee Inquiry - Regional Development Agencies (England)

From: Business and Enterprise
Date announced: 30 June 2008
Evidence due: 19 September 2008
Semta evidence submitted: 19 September 2008
Report published: 13 March 2009

Summary

The Business and Enterprise Committee announced an inquiry into the role of regional development agencies (RDAs) and implications the government’s review of sub national economic development and regeneration may have on that role.

The review of sub national economic development and regeneration makes a number of proposals to reform the role and responsibilities of regional development agencies which have the potential to significantly change the landscape of public bodies’ involvement in economic development and regeneration issues. 

The inquiry focuses on the following areas:

  • The need for a level of economic development/business/regeneration policy delivery between central and local government.
  • The effectiveness of RDAs and their role in adding value.
  • RDA expertise.
  • The extent of and need for, their overseas activities. 
  • The consequences of expanding RDA remit to include new functions as proposed by the sub national review, including the delivery of EU funding. 
  • The accountability of RDAs.
  • How RDA performance has been measured in the past and will be measured in future.

The Committee published its report on 13th March.

Next steps

The Government published its response in June 2009.

Documents and Links

Government response to the Committee's Report
The Committee's Report
Semta's submission
Uncorrected evidence from British Chambers of Commerce, EEF, CBI, Local Government Association, Essex County Council and Lancashire County Council
Uncorrected evidence from Advantage West Midlands, RDA Chair of Chairs, East Midlands Development Agency

Semta represents the view of our employers across government and the media.  If you are an employer in the science, engineering, or manufacturing technology sectors, we welcome your views at policy@semta.org.uk

27 June 2010

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