LEP transparency a necessity, says FSB

The FSB wants Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to be up front about the way taxpayers’ money is spent, after the body responded to a report by MPs on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examining issues around devolution in England, including fears about LEPs.

Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the FSB, agrees with the findings of the PAC’s ‘Devolution in England’ report that LEPs need to provide greater transparency over the way their money is spent, particularly given that the partnerships are due to receive increased funding in the coming years.

“It’s encouraging to see the cross-party and influential Public Accounts Committee push for clarity around devolution objectives in England,” said Cherry.

“In particular, the PAC’s call on Government to review the accountability of Local Enterprise Partnerships marks a welcome step forward.

“FSB has campaigned hard for LEPs to be more transparent in how they work. The need for greater LEP accountability has never been more pressing as the partnerships are set to receive increased funding over the coming years.

“The Government should now insist LEPs publish a register of business interests and fulfil their obligation to appoint a small business champion to their Board, as announced at the last Budget.

“While a number of LEPs up and down the country have proven effective at driving growth, more must be done to ensure partnerships are delivering for their local economies.”

Date published 23 Dec 2016 | Last updated 23 Dec 2016