New strategy for economic development in Yorkshire & Humber

Following a recent review, the government has called for a more joined-up approach to public sector support. As a result, Yorkshire Forward will be working closely with the region’s local authorities to create a new integrated Yorkshire & Humber Strategy.

How has the strategy been defined until now?

At present, strategic planning for economic development in our region is carried out through the planning and implementation of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES). This process is led by Yorkshire Forward, but involves many business representatives and other organisations with a relevant interest or involvement. Since it was established in 1999, Yorkshire Forward has led on the production of three consecutive regional economic strategies, each reflecting the economic priorities at the time of writing.

Why the need for a change?

HM Government recently carried out a review of economic development. Their recommendations included a more joined-up approach to public sector support and a new approach to the development of economic strategy.

What are the implications at a local level?

The new approach will mean that local authorities will need to carry out more detailed assessments of their local economies, and that economic planning is combined with land use and development planning. This means that the previous work on developing the RES will be combined with work to developing the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) to create a new integrated ‘Regional Strategy’. In our region, this will simply be known as the Yorkshire and Humber Strategy.

Does this affect Yorkshire Forward’s role in the region?

Yorkshire Forward will remain the lead organisation in our region for economic development. Business Link will continue to be the main source of public-sector support for business development.

What will the new strategy include?

As well as combining two previously separate regional strategies (RSS & RES), the Yorkshire & Humber Strategy will outline how the region can grow out of the recession. It will also demonstrate how the region will adapt to climate change while reducing its contribution to harmful emissions.

When should the final strategy be signed off?

Formal sign-off is not anticipated until 2012, although that doesn’t mean that nothing will happen until then. Development of the new Yorkshire & Humber Strategy has already begun, with Yorkshire Forward and the local authorities laying out new arrangements for working together. Work is under way to gather and analyse the evidence base on which the strategy will be based. The length of the timetable is dictated by the timescales involved in developing a statutory (legal) planning document; once consensus has been reached on economic development priorities, work can begin on achieving them.

Will there be opportunities to consult and influence?

A timetable has been established for influencing the strategy’s development and for consultations on draft versions. Consultations will begin in the summer of 2010, when proposals for a range of policy options will be published, followed by a further consultation on the draft strategy at the start of 2011. There will be an additional chance to comment on the strategy through an Examination in Public in 2011.

Want to find out more?

For more information and to get involved, visit the Yorkshire & Humber Strategy website.