Labour warns over assets ‘fire sale’

THE Government has been urged to give new economic partnerships first refusal on millions of pounds of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward’s assets to allay fears they will be sold off in a “fire sale”.

Adding weight to the calls, Labour has written to Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to outline a blueprint for giving them more power as Ministers confirmed the go-ahead for Yorkshire’s third partnership – designed to spearhead economic development after regional development agencies are abolished – in York and North Yorkshire.

The Government said the partnership will play a key role in securing investment for superfast broadband, promoting enterprise and aiding tourism, food and agricultural industries.

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Skipton and Ripon Conservative MP Julian Smith added: “It will provide a focal point to promote the economic benefits of our area, attract inward investment and to ensure that our rural economy goes from strength to strength.”

Other similar partnerships have been set up in Leeds and Sheffield city regions.