News: Regional Minister announces Yorkshire and Humber Economic Delivery Group

Regional Minister Rosie Winterton yesterday announced she is setting up a high-powered Yorkshire and Humber Regional Economic Delivery Group to address economic challenges facing the region. The Economic Delivery Group, a streamlined body of some 14 members, will have its first meeting on 17 November. It will meet regularly to analyse the strategic issues facing the region as a result of the economic downturn. It will have three main tasks: to make sure the key public agencies are working together effectively to help businesses in the current economic climate; to ensure that the region is well placed in the medium and long term to prepare for economic upturn; to act as a channel of communication between stakeholders in Yorkshire and the Humber and the Regional Economic Council. Rosie Winterton said: "I want to ensure that as a region we do everything we can to ensure the Yorkshire and Humber economy emerges from the current downturn stronger than before. The Economic Delivery Group I have set up will harness the experience and expertise of key people and will have a very important role to play in co-ordinating the activities of regional stakeholders." Membership of the new Group is drawn from the top levels of public and private sector agencies and business, including regional development agency Yorkshire Forward. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "We need all hands on deck to get through this difficult economic period and come out the other side in a position of strength. Input from the regions is crucial, so the Regional Economic Council has an extremely important role to play."
Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber website
Rotherham