Regional Strategy Evidence Papers
The RIU held a series of consultation sessions on the Regional Strategy "Evidence Papers" during September. The consultation has now closed and we would like to thank all those who have contributed. The papers were well received in general, and there were lots of helpful comments which aid interpretation, highlight a source or provide additional context. The over arching presentation given at the sessions is available to download together with a paper which summarises the key issues raised within the consultation process, both through the workshops and written responses and draws to a close Phase 1 of the evidence base development.
We are now updating the papers in conjunction with the many kind offers of help we have received from consultees. We expect these papers to change and evolve with the discussion, either in content, coverage or relevance of topics going forward.
The purpose of the evidence papers was to be a first draft to stimulate debate and discussion, in developing an approach to formulating a new regional strategy. It is important to emphasise that these papers do not constitute the full evidence base required and as backward looking data updates clearly do not explore future priorities or choices about future actions. That work will occur in 2009 and start with an analysis of the issues facing the region and the principles we might adopt – “Principles and Issues Paper”. This will be published jointly by 4NW and NWDA and be subject to full consultation.
The Evidence Papers are one strand of the whole evidence base for the new Regional Strategy, which has 4 main elements;
1. Forecasting – an assessment of regional and sub-regional forecasts and aspirations for future growth. Economic forecasts for the Northwest and its five sub-regions are being produced. They cover forecasts for the period 2006-2016 for each sub-region, including economic growth, population, and sectoral output and employment growth. It is supported by a detailed Experian Model Baseline Forecasts document, which covers the periods 1990-2005 and baseline forecasts for 2006-2026.
2. Evidence Papers (see above)
3. Research Programme and Broader Evidence Base of Partners – a comprehensive programme of research into important topics, the main conclusions of which will also be fed into the updated Evidence Papers.
4. Places – an assessment of the characteristics of places in the Northwest, their future potential and inter-relationship with each other. An expert Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is undertaking work to examine places and their potential as part of developing our economic understanding of the region. The work will develop and analyse the potential for growth at a functional geography level. It will help develop characterisations or a typology for places and provide a basis for understanding roles and issues around businesses, people and infrastructure. The TAG will be informing and developing the methodology, through delivery of peer review, technical and statistical expertise and delivering ad hoc support to the RIU to enable them implement the methodology and repeat it.
5. Assessment Outputs - from a Strategic Environmental Assessment and appropriate Equality and Diversity, Health, and Rural Impact assessments.
Additional information on the Regional Strategy can be found on the NWDA Website and we encourage you to register on this site now for further updates.