Combined authority proposals backed by Betts
This looks like quite radical stuff. I am intrigued by it as it seems to me that traditional ways of doing things in local authority delivery need a radical shake up. In the context of economic development in my own backyard including the local authority where I cut my professional teeth something interesting is brewing. The article concerned tells us:
Clive Betts told Public Finance that plans revealed in August for combined authorities in both South Yorkshire and Merseyside faced a number of challenges, but could act as a basis for greater collaboration in other city regions.
A proposal for a single authority to take responsibility for transport and economic development across six councils in the Liverpool city region stated the scheme would improve the effectiveness of business support.
South Yorkshire’s combined authority, which will bring together nine councils, is also intended to boost economic growth. Welcoming the publication of the plan, Sir Stephen Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council and chair of the shadow authority, said the move ‘puts the Sheffield City Region ahead of the game compared with other areas of England’.
Betts, who represents the Sheffield South East constituency, told PF the reforms could replicate the success of the existing combined authority in Greater Manchester