At this time it is critically important that national Government and regional bodies listen carefully to the experience of businesses and other local groups to ensure they understand what is happening on the ground. And it is important that businesses are clear what support is offered by Government and by regional agencies to help them manage in these difficult times.

This document has been drawn up by the Government and Yorkshire Forward as an initial framework for discussion with business, councils, housing groups, the voluntary sector and community groups. It sets out the next steps on how the Government and Yorkshire Forward will work with other agencies across Yorkshire and Humber to support the economy, build on Yorkshire’s strengths and help Yorkshire families and businesses through the tougher times ahead. In addition to the work detailed in this document there is other extensive work being done by local councils and the voluntary sector to support economic development in their areas.

We expect this to feed into a comprehensive programme of work across a range of different organisations across Yorkshire and Humber, as well as informing the Government’s work in the run-up to the Pre Budget Report.

In conjunction with this document, the Government is also launching the second round of the Regional Funding Advice (RFA) exercise, which offers regions the opportunity to advise on their long-term priorities to support sustainable economic growth. Yorkshire and Humberside is being asked to provide advice on regional funding allocations of over £900m in 2008-09. This document encourages local businesses, the voluntary sector and other local groups to continue communicating to regional bodies and to central Government how the economy is changing in their area, whether current policies are working, and what further needs to be done in specific areas or sectors.

Whilst times may be harder over the coming months, there is no doubt that the many strengths of the Yorkshire and Humber economy will help it through this difficult period. This document sets out how Yorkshire Forward, working with other local agencies, together with central Government, will ensure that the region’s economy performs well in the coming months and years.

For a copy of the full report, click here