RfM Partner Paul Newsham is featured in a special report released by The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland entitled The Levelling Up Agenda.
This report examines the government’s Levelling Up agenda with expert analysis from Dr Jonathan Carr-West (Chief Executive of LGiU), Andrew Lewer MP (Member of the Education and Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Select Committees) and Paul Newsham, as well as other parliamentarians and expert organisations.
Lord Blunkett, Chairman of The Leaders Council says, “Policy is not created in a vacuum and its effects are often felt in surprising and unexpected ways.
“In both the creation of policy and the aftermath of its implementation, a robust critique is vital. This Special Report provides a platform for such critique, which will be provided by experts across multiple sectors of our society. We take no stance ourselves but enable others who will be affected by policy changes to express their informed opinions.”
The special report will be presented to relevant MPs and Lords, as well as leading industry figures. The Leaders Council is open to additional input from anyone with an expertise on the subject.
Key takes from Paul’s viewpoint on Levelling Up
- Despite government promises, the Levelling Up agenda is falling short outside of London and the Southeast.
- It remains too difficult for businesses, especially those outside the capital, to access funding and support.
- With the government failing on Levelling Up, private investors are having to step in and pick up the pieces to help businesses grow.
Paul said, “I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to this Special Report by The Leaders Council, particularly as we work with many businesses located across the North of the country. I hope that it will have some future impact on the success of Levelling Up, especially in providing better access to funding and support.”
The special report can be viewed here