The Future of Regional Development Agencies

This Policy Solutions note sets out options for a radical re-structuring of England’s Regional Development Agencies after the next General Election. It proposes:

• A single development agency to support growth and jobs in the North of England -where job creation and investment are most needed
• Streamlining or abolishing RDAs in some other parts of the country
• Handing real power to city-regions – giving them room to grow their local economies. After 2011, this should also include housing and training budgets controlled by otherquangos, such as the HCA.
• Simplifying the Government’s confusing, contested two-part regional growth target, which has made it difficult for RDAs to deliver.