Improving performance - A review of Regional Development Agencies

In this report we present a considered view from a business perspective on the operation of the RDAs and how they contribute to the economic performance of the regions.

England ’s nine regional development agencies (RDAs) have performed a central role in the delivery of the government’s economic policy since their establishment in 1999.

The RDAs were established to bridge a perceived administrative gap between central government and local authorities, and have led on attempts to rectify some of the long-standing regional imbalances within the UK economy.

Proponents of RDAs have argued that the region is a more appropriate level to work with key stakeholders, and being closer to the issues means they are better able to tailor policy responses.

With total RDA budgets now in excess of £2billion, it is clear that the agencies have the potential to make a serious impact on the economies of the nine regions.

While we acknowledge there is a degree of business scepticism, this work has not addressed the question of whether the RDAs should exist.

Instead, we have looked at their effectiveness by looking at the formal assessments of their performance, through the analysis of economic data on the performance of the regions and discussions with our member companies.

Download the report here.

Mark Swift
Media & Campaigns Manager
t: 020 7654 1576
e: mswift@eef.org.uk