Coordination with National Groups
The South West Regional Economic Task Group provides integrated public sector response to the economic downturn by interfacing with a range of other Government and public sector groups.
These groups and how they fit together are detailed below:
National Economic Council
The National Economic Council (NEC) is tasked with co-ordinating economic policy across Government. Chaired by the Prime Minister, this full Cabinet committee meets twice weekly and focuses on helping people and businesses deal with the current economic uncertainties. The NEC focuses on every part of the UK, looking at the best approach for co-ordination of economic policies across Government that address the ongoing challenges. The NEC takes advice from external experts across different sectors of the economy and is informed, at a regional level, by the new Regional Economic Council.
Regional Economic Council
A Regional Economic Council (REC) has been established at national level to ensure issues and areas of concern to regions are heard and acted upon within Government. The REC meets quarterly and is jointly chaired by the Secretary of State for BERR and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The membership includes Regional Ministers, Regional Development Agency (RDA) Chairs and representatives of business and the trade unions. There are strong links between the NEC and the REC.
Council of Regional Ministers
A Council of Regional Ministers (CRM) has been established to operate alongside the REC, but will seek the views of a wider range of regional stakeholders. THE CRM, which meets every two weeks, is chaired by Liam Byrne, Minister for the Cabinet Office (the deputy chair is John Healey, Minister for Local Government) and:
- discusses common issues, takes action where appropriate, and makes recommendations to the REC and the NEC
- acts as a conduit to the REC and NEC for information gathered by regional ministers as part of their work in their region
- facilitates the dissemination of key messages by Regional Ministers, including from the NEC and REC.
South West Regional Economic Task Group (this Group)
Regional Ministers chair region-level groups or task forces to better understand the impact of the economic downturn and tackle local / regional 'economic shocks' with a coordinated response.
Regional Ministers
The formal role of Regional Ministers is to provide a clear sense of strategic direction for their region, giving the general public a voice in central government, and ensuring that Government policy takes account of the differing needs of the nine English regions. However, as part of the Government's response to the current economic situation, RMs now play a crucial role in supporting regional delivery, making the links between the NEC and what is happening on the ground at regional and sub-regional levels. The Regional Minister for the South West is Jim Knight MP.