HC Deb 16 April 2002 vol 383 cc846-7W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funds have been allocated to regional development agencies; and how those funds will be used. [49857]

Alan Johnson

The regional development agencies' budgets for 2002–03 are as follows:

Regional development agencies' budgets
£000
Total1
One North East 184,738
North-west DA 273,927
Yorkshire Forward 185,920
East Midlands DA 100,947
Advantage West Midlands 191,519
East of England DA 76,057
South-east of England DA 100,130
South-west of England DA 93,540
London DA 285,396
Total 1,492,174
1Net of receipts

This funding will be used to support activities in relation to the implementation of the RDAs' regional economic strategies and their statutory purposes which are within their regions to: further economic development and the regeneration of the region; promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness; promote employment; enhance the development and application of skills; and to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the United Kingdom. From 1 April 2002 the RDA's have a single budget giving them maximum flexibility to meet their regional priorities, within the fiscal framework for public money, removing unnecessary ring fences and unrealistic programme silos which inhibit true integration and innovative cross cutting approaches.

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