Regional chambers
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What are Regional Chambers?
Voluntary, multi-party and inclusive Regional Chambers have been established in each of the eight English regions outside London, building on the partnership working arrangements that already existed in some regions between local authorities and regional partners. Each Chamber has been formally recognised by the Government as being representative of the interests of the region in relation to the work of the region's Regional Development Agency (RDA). Chambers operate within the same boundaries of the Government Offices in the regions and the RDAs. Their constitutions vary from region to region.
All of the Chambers have adopted the title 'Assembly'. Their web site addresses are:
The English Regions Network, a representative body for the Chambers, was formed in early 2000. The current ERN chair is Alex Watson. The ERN can be contacted at:
The Guildhall
Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3AF
or via Stephen Barber at stephen@rane.gov.uk
Who do the Chambers represent?
Each Chamber strives to be representative of the region it serves. Under guidance issued by the Secretary of State, this representation comprises 70% local authority members and 30% drawn from other sectors, including higher and further education, the Confederation of British Industry, the Trades Union Congress, chambers of commerce, the small business sector, parish and town councils, the National Health Service, voluntary organisations, Learning and Skills Councils, regional cultural consortia, rural and environmental groups and other regional stakeholders.
Role of the Chambers
The Regional Chambers' initial focus was primarily on the RDAs' regional economic strategies, in respect of which the RDAs are directed, under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998, to consult the Chambers. They have also sought to build up effective working relationships with the RDAs, Government Offices and other regional interests and stakeholders.
The Chambers have been actively involved in the production of regional sustainable development frameworks (RSDFs), taking the lead role in some regions. Further details can be found on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs web site.
The Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act, which received Royal Assent on 8 May 2003, gave Chambers the responsibility to act as the regional planning bodies for the new system of regional spatial strategies, as encouraged in Planning Policy Guidance Note 11. The regional spatial strategy will continue to include a regional transport strategy and a regional waste strategy.
The Act also included provision to enable the direct funding of Chambers by central government for their role as regional planning bodies.
Chambers' £15 million fund
On 9 March 2001, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Deputy Prime Minister announced plans for a new fund of £15 million for the Chambers, to be made available over three years. The fund's purpose is to enable the Chambers to enhance their role of scrutinising the RDAs, and thus strengthen regional accountability. The fund may also be used to develop the Chambers' role as a strategic focal point for regions. This includes developing activities involving other regional partners, including the Government Offices, and regional sustainable development round tables.
More information about the Government's proposals for the role of the Chambers in strengthening the performance of each English region can be found in chapter 2 of Your Region, Your Choice.
See also:
Related information on other websites:
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