Some of the most deprived areas in Yorkshire & the Humber were given a boost today when Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster and North East Lincolnshire were awarded £66.7million in a Government programme promoting enterprise and employment. Theirs were among 10 innovative proposals by 14 local authorities being awarded a total of £157 million under the programme.
This second round follows the £126 million awarded last year to 10 bids covering 15 local authorities, including Bradford.
The winning bids from 14 local authorities will be funded for three years in the second round of the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) – a joint programme between Comunities and Local Government, HM Treasury and the Department for Trade and Industry.
Today’s announcement was made in the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report.
Communities Minister Baroness Andrews said:
“The Local Enterprise Growth Initiative aims to encourage a step-change in economic activity in some of the most deprived areas in England. I am impressed by the huge response to LEGI and the genuinely deep understanding of local issues demonstrated by many bids and the strong role set out for local partnerships in delivering change. Following a very tough selection process I am convinced that the winning proposals will be able to make a real difference and drive enterprise forward in partnership with the private sector. LEGI is a vital element in turning around the lives and prospects of some of our most disadvantaged communities in an economically sound and sustainable way.”
The successful bids will be awarded funding from April 2007 over three years:
Doncaster £16m
Bid proposals include, business outreach managers ‘Streetwalkers’ and community based enterprise advisers working directly in the deprived neighbourhoods, making links between business support, local opportunities and micro businesses.
Leeds £15m
Bid proposals include, enterprise ambassadors in schools, five enterprise centres and support in partnership with Business Link to target deprived areas and business sector support.
North East Lincolnshire £18.7m
Bid proposals include outreach centres and enterprise and business advisers in the targeted neighbourhoods, private sector companies offering support from their workforce to offer support to individuals and businesses.
Sheffield £17m
Bid proposals include a schools programme to identify the entrepreneurs of the future and the creation of a proactive network of neighbourhood enterprise champions and business advisers.
Felicity Everiss, Director of Government Office in Yorkshire & the Humber said:
“Congratulation to all our winning bidders, this is an excellent result for the region which reflects the very high standard of bids that we received in this round of LEGI.
Along with our round 1 winner, Bradford, the new funding will significantly enhance the region’s ability to tackle the barriers to enterprise in some of our most deprived areas and transform the quality of life for residents in those areas.
“The Government Office and Yorkshire Forward worked hard with regional partners in developing a new approach to providing support and guidance in this round. I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude for the hard work and commitment of all our partners in providing that support.”
LEGI is a regeneration programme designed to increase total entrepreneurial activity in deprived local areas, support the growth and reduce the failure rate of locally-owned businesses; and attract appropriate inward investment and franchising – making use of local labour resources.
Local authorities were invited to submit proposals setting out how LEGI funding would be used to stimulate enterprise and transform their most deprived areas. The selection procedure included leaders of short-listed bids taking part in question and answer sessions with a national advisory panel, which included two senior private sector representatives.
Baroness Andrews added:
We will also continue to work closely with authorities with the highest level of deprivation and lowest rates of enterprise formation. Regional Development Agencies, local partners and organisations such as the Princes Trust and Business in the Community will be key in helping to strengthen any future bids.”
John Healey, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, added:
“LEGI provides flexible, devolved investment in some of the most deprived areas in England. Today’s announcement of a further £157 million will boost local economic activity in areas which need more enterprise, growth and jobs. The 10 bids we have chosen to receive funding in this second LEGI round are those most capable of making a targeted, long-term difference in their communities.”
DTI Minister for Industry and the Regions Margaret Hodge MP said: “The winning bids will make a real difference to their communities, spearheading an economic transformation that will stimulate business growth and new investment. It has been very encouraging to see the public and private sectors working together for the good of their local communities. This can only result in a positive outcome for local entrepreneurs and businesses.”