RR10: A new role for Regional Development Agencies

Since the publication of the Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration by HM Treasury in July this year, there has been an ongoing debate around the Review’s repositioning of roles between Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and local authorities towards a more strategic and delivery type role respectively. The preparation of this Rapid Research included a series interviews with RDA and local authority representatives, to consider how this attempt to alter the current relationship might work and what challenges may need to be overcome.

This research is particularly timely as we await national guidance on the next steps that RDAs and local authorities will need to take in order to make these proposals operate effectively.