Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, Sajid Javid, has praised the work of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) while calling on its fellow LEPs across the country to come forward with more bold and innovative ideas on how to deliver local growth.
‘Housing Business Ready’ status praised by Sajid Javid
Sajid Javid highlighted the success of the South East LEP in thinking beyond the boundaries of its growth deal, and in particular for being awarded ‘Housing Business Ready’ status by the Housing and Finance Institute (HFi).
Speaking about the South East LEP, Sajid Javid said: “It’s working with councils, planners, developers and regulators to make sure utilities and infrastructure are provided where they’re needed right across the region.
“The unique nature of a LEP means it can do this across traditional local authority boundaries and across both the public and private sector.
“And that means it can better reflect the needs of local people and local businesses. I want to see more of this, in any field where LEPs can make a significant, positive difference.”
Influencing public and private investment
The Secretary of State also highlighted the success of South East LEP and its counterpart LEPs of Enterprise M3, Coast to Capital and others, for playing a potentially significant role in influencing public and private investment.
Christian Brodie, Chairman of South East LEP, said: “It’s great to be recognised nationally for the progress we have made, including through our partnership with the HFi. There is more to be done if we are to tackle the considerable housing challenge we face in the South East.
“We need to change the way housing is delivered in order to meet the ambitious target we have set of creating 29,000 new homes by 2021.
“Our agreed Growth Deal and the £102m from the recently announced Local Growth Fund will make a significant difference and leverage in private investment and help secure thousands of new jobs and much needed new housing.”
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/how-leps-can-build-the-local-foundations-for-a-global-britain