Rosie Winterton (Minister of State (Yorkshire and the Humber), Department for Communities and Local Government; Doncaster Central, Labour)

We had quite a wide-ranging discussion at the start of my responding remarks. At this stage, I do not want to repeat the arguments why we need regional decision making and regional strategies—we went through those clearly this morning. However, it is worth noting the support that we have received for this part of the Bill. Margaret Eaton, chair of the Local Government Association, said that the Bill will

“give councillors the power to effect real economic change in their local areas.”

My right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich read out a letter that the Committee received from 4NW about the views of the people in local government. I would like to add to those comments, some remarks from the chairman of the South West Strategic Leaders Board, Councillor Angus Campbell, a Conservative:

“On behalf of the South West Strategic Leaders Board I’m delighted that Government has confirmed the early transfer of the Assembly’s functions. The Board brings Council Leaders together in the most effective decision making grouping for the South West. I believe the Assembly achieved a great deal but now is a time for a change. This announcement is a milestone in taking forward more effective decision making in the South West. I look forward to working with the Board of the Regional Development Agency as we drive forward into a new phase for the region.”

Arthur Barker, from Yorkshire and Humber, said:

“'Throughout Yorkshire and Humber we have a strong track record of working with cross party support”—

Arthur Barker is a Conservative, as the right hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon will know—

“on issues to shape our region and make our communities better places. Local Government in the region is strong and these new arrangements will help to maximise the value we can add for our communities by collaborating at the sub-regional and regional level.”

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