• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Friday February 2 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Berkshire councils pledge to work together to drive economic growth after government pulls LEP funding

A new cross-Berkshire board, made up of the county’s six local councils, could be established to promote the area attract inward investment and government funding.

The board has the backing of the leaders of the councils, but needs to be signed off by each council’s cabinet before being formally established.

Berkshire has played a hugely significant role in driving the UK economy in recent decades. It has great connectivity and is home to the UK’s Silicon Valley, as well as many innovative and international businesses, and has a highly skilled workforce.

Berkshire not immune to economic challenges

But the county is not immune to economic challenges, which include the changing trade relationships with Europe, high levels of inflation, labour market shortages and areas of deprivation.

The formation comes as government funding is pulled from the nation’s Local Enterprise Partnerships, with economic leadership responsibility and budgets being handed back to local authorities.

Councillor Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “It has always been the case that it is in the best interests of all of residents that local authorities in Berkshire work collaboratively.

“Over the past year there has certainly been progress on that front and the new Board now offers all six Councils the opportunity to provide a stronger voice to Government when applying for funding and investment opportunities.”

Councillor Dexter Smith, leader of the borough council for Slough – which was last week named the most economically productive town in the UK – said: “This represents an important step in our collective efforts to work collaboratively in expanding economic opportunities in our local area, and to drive growth”.

“It will be an important platform for the authorities to tackle the challenges which we face, and to lobby for wider investment in the area.”

LEP’s work will continue

Berkshire leaders and the LEP have agreed they want to continue working in partnership to support the Berkshire economy.

The LEP will remain an independent organisation and Berkshire council leaders have agreed that funding received from the government for the core functions will be used to commission specialist organisations – such as Thames Valley Berkshire LEP – to deliver outcomes.

If each of the councils – Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council, Slough Borough Council, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council – agree to the partnership the board could be up and running as early as May this year.

Pictured: Northbrook Street, Newbury

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