Leadership, governance and delivery
Investment
Delivery of the strategy is dependent on aligning a wide range of funding sources, both public and private to best effect. Ultimately, the primary source of investment will be private capital. Investment in the East of England needs to be:
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increased, given that the East of England has the lowest levels of identifiable public expenditure of the English regions
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aligned and focused to leverage private sector investment and reflect real economic geographies
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guided by a medium and long-term perspective necessary to create the conditions for an adaptive and competitive economy
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flexible, with greater local and regional ability to tailor national funding streams through Local Area Agreements, Multi Area Agreements and the Regional Funding Advice process to meet specific needs at the local level and address key drivers of regional economic performance in the East of England
- sourced creatively, maximising opportunities through private capital, EU non-territorial programmes, lottery funding, foundations and other sources
- accessible and appropriate to the needs of businesses, communities and the voluntary sector.
To this end, the regional economic strategy proposes a number of innovative funding solutions, including a major regional infrastructure fund and a greater share in the proceeds of growth for local and regional stakeholders.
RES toolbox
Improving health in the workplace is a priority, and to do this we need to work with many partners, including employers. A recent national report by Dame Carol Black argued that greater emphasis on occupational health would have significant economic benefits. We’re embracing this work, particularly in relation to SMEs.