regional networks

From time to time we set strategic objectives for delivery through Government Offices for the Regions (GOs).

Our current objectives can be summarised as:

Working with local authorities, especially through local area agreements (LAAs) and regional commentaries
Representing our interests in cross-government working at regional level, e.g. in regional economic and spatial strategies
Providing briefing and intelligence on regional matters, e.g. for the departmental "twins" for each English region
Supporting regional involvement with the preparations for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

We also work with the Regional Cultural Consortiums (RCCs) in the eight regions outside London. RCCs draw up regional cultural strategies and provide a collective voice for the sector to influence Regional Development Agencies, Regional Assemblies and local authorities.

Contact details for your local RCC:

Our Strategy branch supports Ministers by contributing to the development of cross Government policy on and affecting local and regional government, while promoting and safeguarding our cultural interests.

The majority of our work is therefore with other Government departments. For example, we are currently working with the Department for Communities and Local Government on: the review of powers and responsibilities of the Greater London Authority; the forthcoming Local Government White Paper; the development of the cities agenda; the growth areas, including Thames Gateway; new growth points; and the Planning Gain Supplement.

We manage our economic interests in the work of the Regional Development Agencies including the reviews of their regional economic strategies in order to ensure that we gain the maximum possible value from the RDAs.

We also have responsibility for devolution policy and the Department’s relations with the devolved administrations and for managing our structural funds responsibilities.