Voluntary sector 'welcome' in LEP talks, says minister
Voluntary and community sector organisations are 'welcome' to get involved in the negotiations to establish LEPs which are set to regional development agencies (RDAs).
Earlier this summer, business secretary Vince Cable and communities secretary Eric Pickles wrote to business and council leaders inviting them to submit proposals to form local enterprise partnerships (LEPs), which are intended to boost local economies.
The letter did not extend the invitation to third sector organisations, prompting umbrella body the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (Navca) to write to the Government challenging its decision to exclude the third sector in plans to establish LEPs.
In a letter responding to Navca this week, decentralisation minister Greg Clark said: "Let me reassure you that we very much welcome the involvement of voluntary organisations and social enterprises in the establishment of these partnerships which will play an important role in setting out local economic priorities.
"I agree that the voluntary sector and social enterprises can have considerable economic impact both as providers of local jobs and creators of local wealth and assets, and through supporting economic renewal.
"I would encourage your colleagues from the voluntary sector and social enterprises to participate in local discussions and proposals for LEPs."
Kevin Curley, chief executive of Navca, said that Clark’s response was "a victory for the voluntary and community sector and a timely recognition of the economic impact of our sector".
Although the deadline for submitting proposals to form LEPs to the Government is Monday, a spokesman for Navca said that "in many areas" Navca members and other voluntary and community sector organisations are "already negotiating" with organisations looking to establish LEPs.
"This letter is very useful as it supports the strong argument to ensure there is representation from the voluntary and community sector", he said.
www.regen.net 03/09/2010
