ADEPT welcomes Local Growth Deals
ADEPT, the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport has welcomed the announcement of the new single Local Growth Dea ls announced today, Monday 7 th July.
The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minster announc ed the first wave of Growth Deals, which will see £6 billion invested in local projects across England to unlock economic growth.
They will support infrastructure projects including transport, superfast broadband networks and homebuilding, as well as supporting local businesse s, training provision and jobs.
ADEPT’s new president, David Bishop said:
“We welco me the Local Growth Deals announced today. ADEPT has long argued for a single pot approach to driving local economic growth, informed by the local vision for transforming places.
“We see Growth Deals as the way forward, bringing growth to local economies, delivering real, tangible benefits to businesses and communities. For the first time housing, infrastructure and other funding have been brought together in a single pot, administered directly by Local Enterprise Partnerships working in conjunction with Local Auth orities and local business. “Our members are at the heart of these Local Place Initiatives, delivering programmes across Transport, Housing, Planning and Regeneration and turning vision into action.”
Growth Deals represent a whole package of measures, unlocking further investment from the private sector and local partners as well as non-financial contributions such as closer local partnerships wit h education providers, Network Rail and the Highways Agency. The Deals also places strong emphasis on skills and training for young people as well as job creation.
David continued:
“We are pleased to see that the go vernment has been listening. Local Growth Deals driven by local knowledge and expertise will create jobs, boost productivity and bring vital improvements to local infrastructure. “We will be looking closely at the details of indiv idual Growth Deals over the coming weeks.”
ADEPT is the voice of Local Authority County, Unitary and metropolitan Directors across England representing members throughout the country. The Association represents Local Authority Strategic Place Directors. Members have responsibility for strategy and the transformation of place based services - key areas of the public sector including Transport, Highways, Waste, Planning, Economic Development, Regeneration and Housing.