We need to be constructive

How the world has changed? There is much reference to a new order and different politics as a result of the General Election. This is certainly being felt at a regional level, as announcement after announcement breaks apart the regional governance of the last decade.

Advantage West Midlands will be gone by March 2012, Government Office ‘in principle’ to go.  We need to know how bodies such as Natural England, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission will operate in the future. What will be the effects of the ongoing spending review?

The momentum is certainly gathering a pace to deliver the Coalition’s localism agenda, but will it truly be local or will it be a national agenda with local delivery? It really is far too early to say.

One area that rural business needs to focus on is the proposed Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPS).  LEPs will be joint local/business bodies brought forward by local authorities to promote local economic development and recovery. 

It is uncertain at this time how many LEPS will emerge from the bonfire of existing quangoes, or what powers they will have, but the Rural Affairs forum need to ensure that:

• rural areas do not fall between the gaps and no part of the region is left uncovered by a LEP;
• rural businesses are properly represented on the governing bodies of LEPs;
• the criteria used for funding allocation to LEPs must take rural economic circumstances into account;
• a smooth transition of existing rural funding streams from regional bodies takes place especially with regards to the RDPE.

Whilst local authorities are leading the way with the LEPs’ remit and areas, it will be important for business to engage with constructive ideas to deliver positive economic recovery in a period when public expenditure is being massively reduced. However, constructive and responsible engagement has to be matched by consistency on the part of government.

In the meantime, there are public expenditure cuts to be faced and wherever the knife falls will not be any easier to handle for the rural sector than any other. It must make sense to protect environmental schemes and the ‘public goods’ they supply, animal health and bTB, flood defence, research and renewable energy production. No doubt everyone who benefits will want their funding saved. But what would you cut? The opportunity to tell Defra has just started with the launch of the new Regulation Task Force which is asking for people and business to come forward with areas of over regulation and excessive red tape.

Caroline Bedell

CLA Regional Director – West Midlands