Member Article

Manufacturers call for revamp of RDAs

The role and objectives of Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) such as One NorthEast need significant revamp if they are to tackle regional imbalances and improve economic performance outside London and the greater South East, according to manufacturers’ organisation EEF. The finding comes from a report submitted to the Treasury as part of EEF’s review of regional economic performance and regeneration.

The report claims that the performance of RDAs has been mixed. Whilst there have been some successes, such as tackling urban regeneration, there has been little measurable impact on regional economic performance.

Alan Hall, EEF Northern Director, said: “Whilst the RDAs have made a difference in some key respects, so far there has been little significant impact on our regional economies. However, this must be balanced against the fact they have only been in existence for a relatively short period of time and only latterly had discretion over their own budgets. “It is interesting that the only region which shows much improvement in productivity growth is our own region, the North East. “Only our region is accelerating in economic growth terms in comparison to other regions.”

“It does not seem sensible to us that these regional bodies are asked to look at improved economic performance and yet have no remit over transport, skills or planning. “The proposal built into this research is that One NorthEast and the other RDAs should be given much greater influence over these crucial areas – issues, of course, which can impact the private sector and overall economic performance in major ways.”

A major finding from the report is to suggest better monitoring of outcomes from RDA interventions, so that the real impact of the work of One NorthEast and the other RDAs can be assessed.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .