Date
16 September 2016
Time
08:30 – 13:00
Location
Macdonald Burlington Hotel, 126 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4JQ.
Organisers
Westminster Social Policy Forum.
The event itself
This timely seminar will assess key implementation issues and the future policy landscape for regional devolution in England, focusing on:
- Developing the necessary infrastructure, including issues around connectivity, collaboration and finance;
- Attracting businesses and investment, and meeting skills needs; and
- The potential impact of the EU referendum, prospects for further devolution in the Midlands, and the wider outlook for economic growth.
The discussion on key issues related to infrastructure development and its role in supporting a strong regional economy will be of particular interest.
It takes place following the Government’s continued commitment to devolution across the country, including the establishment of the ‘Midlands Engine’ which aims to add £34 billion and 300,000 extra jobs to the Midlands economy by 2030.
Following the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act which sets out the legislative framework for individual devolution deals, delegates will discuss the new Government’s policy priorities to rebalance the economy across the country, including the announcement of a new foreign investment hub to be established in Birmingham that aims to deliver more high value foreign investment and jobs into the region, and the £250m Midlands Engine Investment Fund which was announced in the former Chancellor’s March 2016 Budget.
It will also be an opportunity to assess how businesses and local councils can work together to help boost economic growth, employment support and skills provision throughout the Midlands region, and the confirmed devolution deals for the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority which seek to address transport connectivity and the availability of housing.
Further sessions are expected to examine additional proposed devolution deals in the North Midlands, and in Leicestershire, and how this collaboration may impact on long-term economic development in the region.
Overall, areas for discussion include:
- Progress and current trends – assessing value for money in the English devolution deals;
- Case studies – the latest thinking on the Northern Powerhouse and economic development in the Midlands;
- Priorities for developing infrastructure and regional connectivity;
- Opportunities and challenges for LEPs and mayoralties in the regionally devolved context;
- Key issues for meeting skills development needs – attracting business, developing the workforce and retaining talent; and
- Next steps for devolution and financing economic growth – the future for policy and the Midlands Engine.
The agenda is available to download here. The seminar is organised on the basis of strict impartiality by the Westminster Social Policy Forum.
Contact for further information
For further information, visit the Westminster Social Policy Forum website or contact them on 01344 864796.
