4NW funding ‘will cease’
Government funding for quangos such as 4NW is likely to cease during this financial year, Communities and Local Government officials have indicated.
In a statement released today, Sir Richard Leese, 4NW chair and leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Officials at CLG have indicated that government funding for Leaders Boards such as 4NW will cease at a point to be determined during this financial year, although they are not stipulating that Leaders Boards themselves should end.
"At the Leaders Board meeting on 14 May members expressed their wish to continue to work collaboratively through the existing Leaders Board. Members also expressed a strong desire to retain all of the high quality work that has gone into the Regional Strategy and made it a truly groundbreaking document.
"Discussions are currently taking place with partners to ensure that we deliver these two objectives."
Wigan-based policy advisory body 4NW, formerly the North West Regional Assembly, represents the region's local authorities and advises the North West Development Agency and central government on policy and budgets. Private sector companies, universities and housing groups are represented on its board alongside council leaders.
Communities and Local Government sets the policy on local government, housing, urban regeneration, planning and fire and rescue.
