Stephen Radley
, Chief Economist for EEF, the Manufacturers’ Organisation said:
“Manufacturers will welcome any proposals that give local authorities incentives to boost business and economic growth, which these proposals on the face of it seem to do. In particular the commitment to review empty property rates, which EEF have campaigned for, will please many businesses across the country.”
On the Conservative proposals for regional government, Mr Radley added:
“We recognise that there are problems with the performance of some of the RDAs and that some do not fit natural economic or geographic boundaries. However, we believe that, for the most part, they provide a critical mass for sub-national economic development.
“We would be concerned if they were replaced with a confusing patch-work quilt of structures and bodies. If the Conservative proposals were adopted the Secretary of State would have a vital role to play to ensure that where RDAs are replaced, the new structures have strong business representation and do not lead to confusion and varying or overlapping priorities.
“We would further caution against reversing the recent reforms introduced by government to streamline and depoliticise the planning process for major infrastructure projects before they have even had time to take effect.”
ENDS