Member Article

Growth deals minister Greg Clark visits Sheffield to discuss LEP devolution of power

The Government’s minister for Growth Deals, Greg Clark MP, visited the Sheffield City Region today to give feedback on the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Plan.

Following the submission of its Growth Plan late last year, today’s visit to Doncaster marked the start of LEP discussions on a ‘Growth Deal’ with Government.

It is expected that, later this year, the Government will devolve powers and funding from Whitehall to the Sheffield City Region, enabling local leaders take action needed to stimulate economic growth.

James Newman, Chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I was pleased to be able to welcome Greg Clark to Doncaster today and very keen to hear his feedback on our Growth Plan.

“The Government has now had over a month to consider our proposals, which we submitted at the end of last year.

“Senior Government officials have made it clear that they see handing over powers and funding to local leaders as the only way to stimulate growth outside of London.

“Our Growth Plan outlines our ambition to create 70,000 new jobs and £3 billion of additional economic output by 2023.”

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “Doncaster is a key player in the Sheffield City Region.

“We are a borough that sees the benefit of being part of wider city region that will bring about extensive investment and regeneration through a close partnership between the private and public sectors.

“We were delighted to welcome Greg Clark and recognise his efforts to champion the cause of devolution and decentralisation.

“Giving more power to decision-makers in Doncaster and across the Sheffield City Region is a good thing for local democracy and will give us greater control over our future as our economy continues to grow.”

Greg Clark MP, Minister of State at the Cabinet office, is the lead Government official for the Growth Deals. To support him with this work, a number of civil servants from across the Government’s business (BIS), communities (DCLG) and Cabinet office teams are working across the Government departments.

Following on from this visit, the LEP will study the Government’s feedback and work closely with civil servants and ministers to ensure the best possible Growth Deal for the Sheffield City Region.

It is expected that the lead up to the Budget in the spring will bring further opportunities for negotiations over the funding and powers local leaders need to deliver the Growth Plan.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .