POLICY AND REPRESENTATION

DOCUMENTS AND PAPERS

Please click on the links below that will direct you to the relevant section of interest:

INTRODUCTION

Each constituent member of the EEBG has its unique set of characteristics and 'policy' concerns; however, there is a demonstrable core of shared policy interests. It is these that the EEBG seek to address:

There are several areas of genuine concern and importance to the region's business community, three stand out as identified priorities for the EEBG whilst four others will also receive commitment and attention:

Key Priorities

  • Influencing the shape and content of key regional economic strategies;
  • Infrastructure - including transport, broadband, planning and energy generation and supply;
  • Education, preparation for work and increasing the skills of the workforce. 
  • The environment and economy working together to increase competitiveness and sustainability;
  • Access to finance;
  • Better relevant and effective regulation;
  • Maximising public procurement opportunities such as the London 2012 Olympics.

In terms of process the EEBG will seek to ensure that:

  • Its members and their business constituencies are objectively and well informed;
  • The opinions of business people are continually sought, listened to and 'locked into' policy positions adopted;
  • Developed and agreed stances are robustly advocated either through members acting as EEBG representatives on regional bodies and/or through specific lobbying campaigns on behalf of the regional business interest.


Minutes of EEBG quarterly meetings:

Click on the links below to download the files in PDF format:

Click here for 2009 meeting minutes> 

Click here for 2008 meeting minutes>

Click here for 2007 meeting minutes >

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Current EEBG Policy Issues:

Since the new Coalition Government has formed there have been many announcements which will affect the way businesses are supported and encouraged in the region. below we outline some of the key announcements. We will endeavour to keep this section updated as more information becomes available. 

 

  • EEDA and Local Government Offices:
Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has announced the Government's intention in principle to abolish the regional development agencies (EEDA) and the remaining eight Government Offices for the Regions across England. The final decisions will be made at the end of the Spending Review in the autumn.
  • Local Enterprise Partnerships:
It has been proposed that new Local Enterprise partnerships will be formed. they are to be formed by a partnership of local government and businesses but are to be business - led. the details of the proposals are outlined in a letter sent out by the Departments of Business innovation and Skills and Communities and Local Government and can be accessed by clicking here.
Outline proposals from bodies interested in forming a LEP are sought by 6 September 2010.

The Department of Communities and Local Government has published its structural reform plan which outlines the reforms planned and the establishment of local initiatives with a timescale for responses. it is a useful document and can be accessed by clicking here.
  • Regional Growth Funds:
There is also a consultation on a £1 billion Regional Growth Fund which was launched on July 23. It is a a BIS/ CLG/HMTR consultation fronted up by Nick Clegg and seeking views by 6th September (the same date as the deadline for LEP proposals). The fund, which will operate in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 will help areas most dependent on public sector employment as the country makes the transition to private sector-led growth and prosperity. Both private bodies and public-private partnerships will be able to bid for funding by demonstrating that their proposal will bring in private investment and support sustainable increases in private sector jobs and growth in their area. This is an important paper because RGF may be one of the most accessible sources of funding for LEPs. Lord Heseltine is to chair the panel administering the use made of RGF.
  • Access to Finance:
The EEBG prepared a discussion paper on the current business experience of businesses in the region of bank lending.for the east of England regional economic Forum (REF). The paper can be downloaded here.
  • Low Carbon Delivery
     
    The EEBG has written a response to EEDA's consultation on Low Carbon Delivery. In essence the group stress that whilst supporting the need to tackle climate change the needs of economic growth must be tackled hand in hand with the need for a low carbon economy.  For the full letter click here.  
  • Changes to pre- and post-16 education and training: 
Since March 2010 the Young People's learning agency has been established for the 14 - 19 policy area and the Skills Funding Agency is the overall agency covering the adult skills remit. Links to the new agencies are on the right hand column. 
    • Education and Skills - A report 'Hiding the Wiring' has been produced by UKCES and outlines the progress so far with the skills landscape in the region. To access the report click here.

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    Other Responses:

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