New review ensures Local Enterprise Partnerships are fit for purpose

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are voluntary partnerships between local authorities and business. Originally established in 2011, they sought to help determine local economic priorities, lead economic growth and job creation within a local area. 

The Strengthened Local Enterprise Partnerships review is designed to ensure LEPs across England are fit for purpose, devolving decision-making power down to the right local level.  
 
LEPs have an integral role in lifting productivity across the English regions, so it’s essential that they are equipped to deliver the right economic impact and work collaboratively. 

Businesses across England will welcome the government’s aim to have all local Industrial Strategies agreed by 2020 – a target backed by the CBI’s campaign to boost regional growth. But the government and LEPs now need to put their foot on the gas to roll out local industrial strategies throughout the UK, so no region gets left behind.  

Business input is critical in providing good local leadership, and business-led local industrial strategies have the potential to drive up economic growth, help create more jobs and improve people’s lives. The CBI approves of the government’s emphasis on attracting high-quality business leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds for Chair roles. 

The outcome of the review concluded the need for: 

• Clarity and consistency in the absence of a combined authority 
• Use of quantitative and qualitative data in delivery plans 
• Two-thirds of boards to be from the private sector 
• Improved geographies by eliminating overlaps 
• Encouraging coterminous boundaries with mayoral combined authorities 
• Collaboration across boundaries.