Government plans to abolish leps

The government is “minded” to withdraw support from local enterprise partnerships (leps) and transfer their responsibilities to local authorities from 2024.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a consultation as part of the Budget this afternoon.
There are 38 leps across England and they are responsible for local economic development and play a central role in determining the economic priorities and undertaking activities to drive growth and the creation of local jobs.

However, whilst addressing the House of Commons, Jeremy Hunt confirmed that the government is “minded” to withdraw support for leps from April of next year.

He said: “The government is committed to empowering democratically elected local leaders at every opportunity. To this end, the government intends for the functions of local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) to be delivered by local government in the future.
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“Therefore, the government is minded to withdraw central government support for leps from April 2024. DLUHC and the Department for Business and Trade will now consult on these proposals, before confirming a decision. The government will publish an updated policy position to confirm next steps by the summer.”