The Minister for Levelling Up has praised a report on levelling up in the East of England, saying she would welcome a full proposal on how to deliver this agenda in the region.
Dehenna Davison MP was referring to the ground-breaking report ‘Levelling Up the East of England 2023-2030’ by the East of England APPG and East of England Local Government Association (EELGA), which was presented at their joint annual Parliamentary Reception in Westminster on 22nd February.
The report highlights there is low confidence in achieving the proposed targets in five of the 12 policy areas set out by Government: transport, education, skills, health and housing.
The report was warmly welcomed by Government and business leaders, with Dehenna Davison recognising that despite the good work in the region to date, there is still much more to do.
MPs, council leaders and senior business representatives also called for a new ‘Levelling Up the East Delivery Partnership’ between central and local government to deliver the agenda. The Minister for Levelling Up confirmed she would welcome a proposal and a meeting to discuss this approach.
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Chair of EELGA and Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
“I would like to thank Dehenna Davison MP, the Minister for Levelling Up for recognising the potential of the East, as well as the areas which require additional support as mentioned in our report.
“Work will begin on a proposal for a new Levelling Up the East Delivery Partnership and we look forward to presenting this in due course.”
Cheryl Davenport, Managing Director of EELGA, added: “Addressing the priorities and inequalities identified by EELGA and the East of England APPG in this report will provide significant benefits. This will not only improve the opportunities and outcomes for communities in the East of England, but will contribute to the economy and prosperity of the country as a whole.
“We are very pleased with the impact of this report and how well it has been received. EELGA will do all we can to drive positive change across the region.
“Thank you to everyone who attended our Parliamentary Reception, to all those who contributed to the report, and for all the invaluable support from our partners across the region.”
