Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to ensure that the (1) capacity, and (2) capability, of Local Enterprise Partnerships are not undermined before a view has been formed on their future role; and what plans they have to ensure that their accumulated (a) expertise, and (b) relationships, contribute to the levelling up agenda.

The Government is hugely grateful for the work of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) over the last ten years to support their local economies and is determined to ensure businesses continue to have clear representation and support as we drive the post-COVID-19 recovery.

The Government is also grateful to LEPs for their patience on the matter of core funding. Since initiating the review into their role, LEPs have been provided with six months of core funding for the first half of 2021-22. A decision will be made shortly on releasing the second tranche of core funding for 2021/22.

The Government has been engaging extensively with LEPs and local partners, including business organisations, HE/FE representatives, and senior officials from local authorities across England and MCA Chief Executives.

The future role of LEPs is being considered within the context of the Government’s landmark Levelling Up White Paper, alongside the commitment to extending devolution and strong local leadership in County areas.

The outcome of the review will be set out shortly.