Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 2 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 December 2002. It was answered by Chris Leslie (Labour) on Monday, 9 December 2002 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what economic measures elected regional assemblies will be empowered to take.

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what economic measures elected regional assemblies will be empowered to take. [85395] Mr. Leslie: Chapter 4 of the White Paper, "Your Region, Your Choice" makes clear that improving the economic performance of its region will be at the heart of an elected regional assembly's objectives. This is reflected in the range of powers and functions for which elected assemblies will be responsible. In particular, they will be responsible for the Regional Development Agency in their region. They will also have a range of other responsibilities for regional economic development relating to business support, training and skills, and European programmes. Assemblies will be able to spend their block grant as they judge best, subject to agreeing a small number of targets covering their key responsibilities. Some additional funds will be available if an assembly meets or exceeds these targets. Elected assemblies will also be able to raise additional funds from a precept on the council tax and will have powers to borrow money, subject to certain limits.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 85395; 396 c132W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Council tax Borrowing Finance Functions Economic growth Powers Regional planning and development Regional government
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk