Agency set to be abolished

THE Warrington based North West Devlopment Agency which has pumped tens of millions of pounds into regeneration into the local economy is set to be abolished.
The coalition government’s budget has set out plans to scrap the North West Development Agency (NWDA) which will close in its current format in April 2010 to be replaced with a local economic partnership.
Agency boss Steven Broomhead, (pictured) also Chairman of Warrington Wolves says he is now working towards an orderly trasition and looking out for his 480 staff.
Details of how the new economic partnership will operate will not be set out until next month.
Mr Broomhead said: “The regional development agency as we know it with all its different functions will not continue to exist after April 2012.
“In the meantime what is clear is that the business community and most of local government in the region wants to see the continuation of a regional economic body.
“My job now is to make sure there is an orderly transition.”
He said a white paper – the Public Bodies Bill will is likely to be published towards the end of July and will set out more detail.
“Originally we thought the agency would be reformed. But clearly the government wants to change things.
“What really matters is that the economy’s recovery is not damaged.
“So I am concerned about making sure that does not happen, ensuring an orderly transition, and looking out for the 480 staff so they can continue to provide a valuable role.”