Humber region fears go-it-alone plan by councils

Hull Council and East Riding Council have declared their intention to form a north-bank only local enterprise partnership (LEP), to replace Yorkshire Forward, despite business opposition.

North Lincolnshire Council, which wants to form a Humber-wide LEP covering both the north and south banks, has weighed in, saying the move is "bad news for businesses and communities".

Business leaders from North Lincolnshire voted for a single LEP at a meeting yesterday at Pittwood House, in Scunthorpe.

Council leader Coun Mark Kirk said: "Put simply, we are stronger together – and that should be the test that is applied.

"It's terribly short-sighted and could set back both banks economically for many years to come. It could be one of the most disastrous decisions made for a long, long time."

He added: "Business is saying we need a Humber LEP, we're saying we need a Humber LEP, and seven of the region's 10 MPs are saying we need a Humber LEP."

In contrast Leeds City Region's proposal incorporates 11 councils and the North East's 12.

Richard Kendall, from Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said: "We have yet to see the rationale for splitting up the Humber at a time when other areas are forming larger partnerships.

"A Humber-wide partnership is the best solution for this area, because of the critical mass it would give us when we are trying to attract major investment in ports and renewable energy."

Chief executive of RMS Group and managing director of Danbrit Holdings, which has shipping and logistics interests in the Humber, Peter Aarosin, said they would be "shooting themselves in the foot" if they didn't set up a Humber-wide body.

He said: "In my opinion it is absolutely crucial that we get a LEP for the Humber. When you look at what's going on in the renewable energy sector potentially it could be the biggest single thing that has ever happened to our local economy.

"We have a real chance of becoming a real world leader in that area and it would be a great shame if we are going to end up with a half-way house in terms of our economic development."

In July, Teesside firm Able UK unveiled plans to transform the south bank of the River Humber into an "international centre" for renewable energy, creating 20,000 jobs.

At the time local authorities said it wouldn't jeopardise a rival bid from Associated British Ports in Hull for the north bank of the Humber, saying there was enough business to go round.

In a statement, leader of Hull Council Carl Minns said: "Everyone agrees that we need to work together as four local authorities on key sectors, such as ports, chemicals and renewables.

"However, my preference is for a North Bank LEP with East Riding."

Leader of East Riding Council Steve Parnaby wasn't available but has said he's in favour of a North Bank link-up.

Previously five Labour MPs and two Tories have warned against forming separate organisations for the north and south banks.

Tory David Davis, MP for Haltemprice and Howden, said: "Splitting the area would only serve to weaken our competitive strength on the national stage at a time when we all need to be speaking as one voice for the region."

Councils have until September 6 to submit their proposals.

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