The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) is to support Government as it continues to work with partners on driving economic growth in Leicester and Leicestershire and considers Government Levelling Up plans.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove this week unveiled the Government’s long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper.
It recognises the value and role of LEPs in the vital decision-making process for the economic wellbeing of local areas, skills and jobs. The LLEP remains committed to working with Government and other partners to deliver growth for the region.
The White Paper sets out the Government’s plan to spread opportunity and prosperity throughout the UK.
It contains 12 national ‘missions’ – quantifiable policy objectives to be achieved by 2030.
These missions, relating to employment, infrastructure, skills and training, education and more, will be given status in law in a flagship Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
Kevin Harris, Chair of the LLEP, said:
“The Levelling Up White Paper shows that LEPs are central to the new policy agenda being taken forward by the Government.”
“It’s clear that Ministers recognise the role LEPs have played in supporting businesses and local economic growth throughout the pandemic.”
“Here in Leicester and Leicestershire, for example, we recently invested £300,000 to tackle digital poverty through seven community projects which will support training and access to equipment as we work towards our goal of a region which is more productive, innovative and inclusive.”
“The Government’s approach to devolution, as described in the White Paper, will be supported by strong working relationships between political and business leaders. That is something we have long enjoyed in Leicester and Leicestershire.”
“For example, our Economic Growth Strategy was created by officers and board members from across both public and private sectors and sets a framework through to 2030 which will deliver further jobs and sustainable growth.”
“In its 10-year timeline, our Economic Growth Strategy mirrors that of the 12 missions in the White Paper itself.”
“There remains much detail to be discussed about what County Deal status might mean for Leicestershire, what will happen around future funding, and what the timeline looks like.”
“However, the LLEP is well-placed to meet new policy priorities, having already established itself over the last decade as an effective partnership between politics and business.”
“We will work with our partners to ensure that the transition to any new structure is as smooth as possible – based on the core principle that local business continues to have a place in local decision making.”
Mandip Rai, Chief Executive of the LLEP, said:
“The LLEP’s Economic Growth Strategy 2021-30 sets out a clear vision for how our local public, private and third sectors will continue working together to increase prosperity in Leicester and Leicestershire over the coming decade.”
“We, like LEPs throughout England, will consider carefully the White Paper and further related Government publications.”
“We will also continue working with all our partners to turn our strategic vision into a practical plan for further developing innovation, productivity, sustainability and inclusivity throughout Leicester and Leicestershire.”
The LLEP is an incorporated strategic body established to drive forward regeneration and growth of the local economy. Since 2011 it has worked with partners and government to set out key investment priorities for Leicester and Leicestershire.
It also makes investment decisions and aligns partner resources. Through its investments and influences the LLEP drives activities that ensure positive outcomes for the local economy.
The LLEP invested £558m in its first decade. About £358m of the investment was match funding secured from the private, public and third sectors. It has been invested in projects including:
- Space Park Leicester
- Improvements at M1 Junction 23 and A512
- Sport Park Pavilion 4
- Melton Cattle Market
- Market Harborough Station
- MIRA Technology Park
- Leicester Waterside Regeneration Area
- St Margaret’s Gateway
The LLEP created 6,910 jobs in Leicester and Leicestershire since 2011, safeguarding a further 302 jobs. In addition, 4,127 learners have been supported by the LLEP, with a further 5,298 supported by its Business Gateway Growth Hub.
A total of 559 learners benefited through LLEP-funded peer networks.
You can read the Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Growth Strategy 2021-30 at bit.ly/LLEPgrowthstrategy
Updated Monday 7 February 2022