In a letter from Chair of Local Government East, Councillor Carl Smith, leaders across the region have welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to achieving “growth in every postcode” and called for a stronger partnership between national and local government to unlock the East’s full potential.
Representing all 50 councils across the East of England and the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority, Local Government East has highlighted the region’s vital contribution to the UK economy. The East is home to a £214 billion economy, attracts almost £10 billion of private-sector research and development investment annually, and is a national leader in sectors including life sciences, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, food production and international trade.
The letter outlines the significant role the East already plays in supporting the United Kingdom’s prosperity while stressing that investment in transport, housing, water, energy and skills infrastructure is needed to ensure the region can continue to drive growth at a national scale.
Local Government East has invited the Prime Minister to meet with a small group of regional leaders to discuss how Government and local authorities can work together to accelerate growth, unlock major investment opportunities and remove barriers that are holding back economic development.
Councillor Carl Smith, Chair of Local Government East and Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said:
“The East of England is already one of the UK’s most important economic regions. We help feed the nation, drive innovation, support energy security and connect Britain with global markets.
“The Government’s ambition for growth in every postcode is one we strongly support. The East has a significant role to play in delivering that ambition, but to do so we need a partnership that recognises the strategic importance of our region and the national benefits that investment here can bring.
“Our message is simple: investment in the East of England is investment in the future success of the United Kingdom. We look forward to discussing how, together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth, jobs and prosperity.”
The letter is accompanied by a strategic narrative setting out the East of England’s contribution to the national economy and the opportunities that could be realised through a strengthened partnership with Government.