LEPs ‘ need private sector help ‘
Author: Jamie Hailstone, The MJ |
More than two thirds of councillors believe Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) will struggle without more private sector help, according to a new survey.
The survey by ComRes on behalf of Wilmott Dixon found 71% of councillors believe LEPS will only succeed if there is more engagement from the private sector.
Almost one in five (18%) councillors warned that a lack of housing could also be issue and 46% said a lack of skills in the local workforce could prevent investment in their local area.
A similar number (41%) said problems over transport links could also be a factor.While many councillors feel it is too early to give a definitive judgement on the impact of the Localism Act, the research shows unambiguously the areas of concern for councillors and the principal barrers to growth and investment,’ said Willmott Dixon Capital Works’ chief executive, John Frankiewicz.
‘We also take from this the strong message that for LEPs to fulfil their potential in supporting local economic development, both public and private sectors need to do more to build trust and cooperation.
‘While the private sector needs to play its part in making it easier for local government to engage with, local government too needs to look at how it can be more commercial and entrepreneurial minded to drive joint venture opportunities.’