Archived press release

New regional funding announced

28 October 2010

Commenting on the publication of a Government white paper today outlining new funding to boost regional economic development as well as plans for Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), Friends of the Earth campaigner Paul de Zylva said:

"New growth must not come at any price - the Government should learn from past mistakes and ensure that cutting carbon, creating green jobs, and protecting wildlife are at the heart of rebuilding the economy.

"The new Regional Growth Fund must only finance projects that help to cut carbon emissions and safeguard natural habitats - and Local Enterprise Partnerships must help deliver this.

"A good start would be for the Government to introduce local carbon budgets which would see councils and businesses cooperating to cut carbon emissions and help develop a prosperous low-carbon economy that will benefit us all."

ENDS

Notes to editor

1.   The white paper outlines plans for a new Regional Growth Fund (RGF) worth £1.4bn between 2011-12 and 2013-14. It will only be open to private sector bidders or private-public partnerships which means councils will have to partner with the private sector to access the renewal funding.

2.   The new LEPs will act as delivery partners for Government, and will also have to compete with private sector bids for RGF funding.

3.    Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to ensure that:

·         Lessons are learned from previous planning decisions that have led to excessive energy and resource use, increased climate changing emissions and threatened wildlife and habitats;

·         LEPs demonstrate that they are helping to cut carbon emissions and protect natural habitats, thereby contributing to the Government's sustainable development strategy;

·         LEPs are transparent, accountable and that their decisions are democratic and open to full public scrutiny; while powers over land use planning remain with democratically elected local authorities.

 4.            Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust