Building on legacy of RDA

The Government’s position is made even more unsustainable, however, by the disappointing manner in which regional economic policy is evolving under the coalition, and at a time when Britain is facing the perturbing prospect of a double-dip recession.

Having decided to abolish – for dogmatic reasons – regional development agencies, these bodies, including Yorkshire Forward, are being wound up before proper alternative structures are put in place.

Yet, if David Cameron is genuinely committed to narrowing the North-South divide and spreading prosperity across the whole country, he will ensure that Yorkshire Forward’s financial assets remain in this region when the quango’s last rites are issued.

Despite the RDA’s obstinance over the level of information that should be placed in the public domain, its total assets – including offices and several prime regeneration sites – could be worth in excess of £100m.

As well as showing a belated commitment to the regions, it is also the only sensible way forward. Decisions about the Tower Works regeneration site in Leeds, Barnsley’s Metropolitan Centre and the Odeon cinema site in Bradford should not be taken by the Treasury; they should be taken by the town halls concerned who know, all too well, the economic dividend that will be accrued if these regeneration plans are finally advanced.

It would also make a mockery of the Government’s localism agenda if the Treasury chose to claw back the public money that has been spent on acquiring the buildings in question. This is a chance for Ministers to back their commitment to regionalism – and an opportunity for the local authorities concerned to prove their mettle as drivers of regeneration.