Local Government Regeneration and Growth: Realising Local Economic Opportunities
Strengthening local economies is a top priority. This Government has changed the economic landscape by giving local councils and business not just the money but the powers to end their dependency on Whitehall and drive their own economies.
Kris Hopkins MP, Minister for Local Growth, Department for Communities and Local Government
If we are to achieve strong and sustainable economic growth nationally, we must create sustainable and vibrant local economies. The government have said that if local economies are to succeed then more power needs to be devolved to local authorities for them to create more tailored solutions to grow their economies through specific regeneration and growth plans. With this in mind, Policy Knowledge are delighted to present our Local Government Regeneration and Growth briefing which will provide attendees with an up to date policy outlook on local government regeneration and growth and also a fresh insight into up to date ideas on what some localities are doing to promote local growth.
At this important briefing delegates will discuss:
- How devolved powers have supported local authorities to make regeneration and growth a reality
- Regenerating high streets
- The impact of the LEP network on boosting partnerships leading to growth
- Making the skills system deliver for local economies
- The importance of supporting rural economies
- Addressing our housing and transport challenges across local communities
- The role of businesses in supporting local jobs
- What works in Local Growth?
Speakers:
Cllr Peter Box - Chair, Economy and Transport Board, Local Government Association & Leader, Wakefield Council
Councillor Box was first elected in 1982 and became Leader of the Council in August 1998 where he faced the difficult task of changing the fortunes of an under achieving local authority. Since his appointment Councillor Box has succeeded in leading the transformation of Wakefield MDC into a modern and efficient authority. Wakefield is now a 4 star “Excellent” authority and in 2006 was voted Britain’s “Best Small City for Business”. In 2010 Peter was awarded a CBE for Services to Local Government.
Councillor Box’s political career has also seen him Chair the Employment & Economic Development Committee from 1987- 1990 and the Labour Group from 1993 to 1998. Before retiring in 2005 Peter was a Probate and Trust Manager.
Peter was Chair of the Regional Assembly for Yorkshire and the Humber from 2002-until its abolition in 2009 and Chair of the English Regions Network from 2008-2009. He is a former member of the governments Northern way Steering Group and the governments Economic Council.
Peter became Chair of the LGA’s Economy and Transport Board in 2010 and sits on the LGA Executive.
Peter is also Chair of both Local Government Yorkshire and Humber and the Leeds City Region Leader’s Board. He is also a Board Member of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and the Yorkshire Tourist Board, Welcome to Yorkshire.
Peter has carried out inspections on behalf of both the Audit Commission and IDeA and was a board member of the former regional Learning and Skills Council and served on the board of the Young Person’s Learning Agency (YPLA).
Peter is a member of the National Policy Forum, the Labour Party's policymaking body, and is Vice Chair of the Party’s Regional Board having previously served as its Chair.
Having been raised in Castleford and educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield, Peter has a strong and passionate connection with the Wakefield District. He is a Trustee for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Hepworth Wakefield and the National Coal Mining Museum for England, three of the District’s most iconic attractions. He is also a member of the Board of Welcome to Yorkshire.
Peter lives in Castleford with his wife Judith, they have a grown up son and two grandchildren. Peter has a broad range of interests outside his political life, including travelling, gardening, and a passion for Irish music and literature. Peter is a keen rugby league fan and endeavours to watch his favourite team, the Castleford Tigers, when at all possible.
David Frost CBE - Chair, LEP Network
David Frost is Chair of The LEP Network and Executive Chairman of the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education. He also chairs the Studio Schools Trust and is a Trustee of Ufi/Learn Direct. David was Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce from 2003-September 2011. Prior to that he was Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Link.