Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Local Enterprise Partnerships

16 March 2022 · 7 other contributors · 7,170 words

Opened by Sally-Ann Hart Con Hastings and Rye

Responding minister: Neil O'Brien

Business & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sally-Ann Hart raised concerns about local enterprise partnerships in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The sector is in limbo awaiting clarity on its future role, with continued uncertainty leading to the departure of talented individuals.
  • LEPs have welcomed the conclusions of the levelling-up White Paper but need confirmation of their funding.
  • The minister highlighted major capital investment schemes like the 12 billion Local Growth Fund and the 900 million Getting Building fund.

Key requests to Government

The Government must clearly define and establish the future functions of LEPs and make them clear to all parties. It is vital that the local independent business voice of LEPs is safeguarded for it to be engaged in local economic planning and decision making, and that their unique collaboration and local business voice are recognised.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Sally-Ann Hart Con Hastings and Rye

The sector is in limbo awaiting clarity on its future role, with continued uncertainty leading to the departure of talented individuals. LEPs have welcomed the conclusions of the levelling-up White Paper but need confirmation of their funding. Six weeks after the publication of the White Paper, no confirmation has been given about how or whether LEPs will be funded. The value of LEPs is based on an array of evidence about their impact across the country, including significant success in skills development and support for businesses during the pandemic.

Other contributors (7)
  • Alex Norris Lab Co-op Nottingham North and Kimberley

    Acknowledged the importance of Local Enterprise Partnerships in skills, business development, and attracting inward investment. Emphasised the value of LEPs in convening local stakeholders to shape the future of local economies. Highlighted D2N2's success with a £9 billion growth target and praised the role of local politicians alongside businesses in shaping places.

  • Andrew Lewer Con Northampton South

    Andrew Lewer discussed the history and current challenges of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), noting their strengths and weaknesses. He highlighted issues such as geographical overlaps, lack of central focus, and the risk of losing expertise when LEPs dissolve. He mentioned positive projects in his constituency like Vulcan ironworks and Northampton College's advanced engineering centre.

  • Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

    Mr Smith highlighted the significant role of LEPs in driving job creation and economic growth, citing examples from Buckinghamshire where the local enterprise partnership has provided over £1.6 million to business survival during the covid crisis, supporting 62 businesses with all still trading, creating 197 new jobs, and safeguarding 258 others. He noted that the LEP skills hub in Buckinghamshire is ranked No. 1 by the Careers and Enterprise Company.

  • Mark Pawsey Con Devon South Central

    I support my hon. Friend's reference to the work of the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, noting that it has helped 5,500 businesses through various roundtables. One strength of LEPs is that the functional geography was determined by the LEPs themselves, allowing areas to define their own economic units rather than relying on historical local government boundaries. My hon. Friend intends to retain this autonomy within the LEPs.

  • Nigel Adams Con Selby and Ainsty

    Asked the lead Member what impact she believes the LEP review will have on the level of funding for the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and requested that the Minister address this point in his response.

  • Siobhan Baillie Con Stroud

    Siobhan Baillie praised the GFirst LEP in Gloucestershire for its collaborative and proactive approach, highlighting several projects such as growth hubs in further education colleges, support for businesses like The Boys Who Sew, and efforts to secure a fusion power station. She stressed the importance of transparency and better engagement with MPs, councils, and local communities.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    I commend the hon. Member for having secured a debate on LEPs, highlighting the work of the Thames Valley LEP in bringing together businesses, local government, the third sector and higher education to advocate for the western rail link to Heathrow as the top infrastructure priority.

Government Response

Neil O'Brien

The minister thanked Sally-Ann Hart for securing the debate and acknowledged LEPs' role in fostering collaboration between business, education, and local government. Through the White Paper, LEPs have gained clarity on their future roles and funding certainty. He highlighted major capital investment schemes like the £12 billion Local Growth Fund and the £900 million Getting Building fund, as well as LEPs' support during Brexit and the pandemic. The minister mentioned improvements in governance and accountability within LEPs and expressed gratitude for their contributions. The Government will continue to work with LEPs based on local desires.

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