Yorkshire Forward Statement on the future of RDAs

23/06/2010

Terry Hodgkinson, Chair of Yorkshire Forward comments: “Following Government’s Emergency Budget announcement yesterday, it is clear that Yorkshire Forward will not continue in its current form after March 2012. This is not new to us and we stand ready for change, which will further support our region’s economy.

“For now it is business as usual. We are continuing to deliver our programme of work for Yorkshire and Humber and ensure that our region’s businesses gain the support they need at this time.

“We await the proposed Government White Paper in the summer which will provide further detail on proposals to replace the RDA network with the creation of Local Enterprise Partnerships and continue to talk with our Local Authority leaders, businesses and partners in the region, who I am confident will advocate a way forward that is right for the people and businesses of Yorkshire and Humber.

“The Government’s spending review in the autumn will also be a vital time for the region to ensure that our cities and towns do not suffer a disproportionate cut in public spending, relative to the departmental reductions.”