Regional Ministers are responsible for providing a clear sense of strategic direction for their region and for giving the region a voice in central government, ensuring that government policy takes account of the differing needs of the nine English regions.
There are a range of functions that Regional Ministers will undertake, supported by the Government Offices for the Regions and also by the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). They will:
- take questions in Parliament on the work of regional bodies and on regional strategies
- be a visible representative of their area
- take a key role in bringing together local services and different arms of government at important times for the region
The role of Regional Ministers is to:
- advise the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on the approval of regional strategies and appointment of RDA Chairs and Boards
- represent regional interests in the formulation of central government policy relevant to economic growth and sustainable development in areas that have not been devolved to the RDAs
- facilitate a joined up approach across government departments and agencies to enable the effective delivery of the single regional strategy
- champion the region at high level events and with regard to high profile projects (including through a programme of regional visits), and
- represent the region at relevant Parliamentary debates and hearings
Jonathan Shaw’s Priorities
Since his appointment, Jonathan Shaw has identified a number of priorities which will provide the main focus for his Regional Minister role. These priorities are housing and skills & employability.
He will also be working on the implementation of specific pieces of policy that affect the region, particularly the Sub-National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration (SNR).
Skills and Employability
For skills, his main focus will be on the stronger integration of skills and employment to help reduce unemployment, increase prosperity, tackle child poverty and improve social mobility. His main activities in the coming months are:
- Working with regional public sector leaders to look at how major public sector procurement projects can involve a greater use of apprentices and trainees
- Hosting a regional skills summit in July for skills stakeholders as a way of supporting stronger collaborative working to meet the challenge of a world class skills base by 2020
Housing
To add value to the Housing agenda, Jonathan Shaw will highlight the importance of growth to the region, and the consequences for communities and households of not providing sufficient good quality affordable housing. He will be looking to bring together stakeholders across the region to find ways of addressing barriers and ensuring that housing development is planned and delivered in a sustainable way.
The Minister set out his key objectives in a speech to the National Housing Federation South East Conference on 31 January. He set out 3 challenges for housing associations:
- to continue to lead on improved environmental standards
- to offer apprenticeships for local people to develop skills on their housing developments, and
- to seek further opportunities to contribute to community development (eg tackling worklessness)
Sub national review of economic development and regeneration (SNR)
On the SNR, the Minister’s immediate interest will be in supporting the consultation process and ensuring that there is a constructive dialogue between South East stakeholders and the Government. This will build on the extensive engagement that Jonathan has had with regional and local partners since the SNR was published in July 2007.
Regional Accountability
The Government believes that Regional Ministers should be accountable to Parliament. Both they and the Government's regional policy should be subject to formal and consistent parliamentary scrutiny.
It is for Parliament to decide how to take forward regional accountability. The Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons has been considering this issue and produced their report on 10 July 2008. The Government response was published on 21 July 2008. The Parliamentary debate and vote on the proposed new arrangements is not expected until October.
Further information about the role and responsibilities of Regional Ministers is set out in the 'Governance of Britain’ document published by the Ministry of Justice in July 2007.
Copy of Jonathan Shaw's Speeches as Regional Minister
Contact information
Regional Minister Team
Government Office for the South East
Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close
Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4GA
email: regional_minister@gose.gsi.gov.uk
tel: 01483 882697
