Regional assemblies in England
Regional Assembly is a title which has universally been adopted by the English bodies established as regional chambers under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998. Their original defined role was to channel regional opinions to the business-led Regional Development Agencies. They now carry out a wide range of advocacy and consultancy roles with national government bodies and the European Union.
About two-thirds of Assembly members are appointees from the County and District councils and Unitary authorities in each Region, the remaining one-third are representatives of other regional interest groups.
Plans for Elected Assemblies
In May 2002 the Government published a White Paper "Your Region, Your Choice" outlining its plans for the possible establishment of Elected Regional Assemblies. These Assemblies would be responsible for regional strategies dealing with sustainable development, economic development, spatial planning, transport, waste, housing, culture (including tourism) and biodiversity. They will be funded primarily by central government grant, with
powers to raise additional funds from a precept on the council tax.
The Assemblies are expected to be elected by an Additional Member System similar to those used for the London Assembly, Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.
The Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003 made provisions for referendums to be held to create such assemblies, and to simplify the structure of Local Government where this is done. Three such referendums are planned, for the regions of North East and North West England and Yorkshire and the Humber.
On February 12, 2004, Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford announced that elected Assemblies would be able to direct local authorities to refuse strategic planning applications that are not in the region's best interest. They would be able to look across local boundary constraints and ensure planning decisions are made with region-wide interests taken into account.
On July 8, 2004 it was announced that the referendums would be held on November 4 (see Northern England referendums, 2004) but on July 22 Nick Raynsford announced that only the North East England vote will go ahead on that date.
External Links
See also
