Minister stresses need for regional partners (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Minister stresses need for regional partners

12:56pm Wednesday 14th November 2007

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THE Regional Minister for the South East, Jonathan Shaw, today (November 14) launched his vision for the future of the region.

In his first keynote speech to the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) Plenary meeting in Winchester, he stressed the importance of organisations working in partnership for the future good of the whole region. He told members he saw his leadership role as Regional Minister in helping towards this.

He said: "I want to make an offer to you today - if any of you is addressing an issue on which you believe I could add value through my role as Regional Minister, I stand ready to work with you in partnership and to help unlock solutions which will contribute to the strength of the region."

Mr Shaw said it was vital not to be constrained by administrative boundaries. Businesses and people did not particularly care on which side of a local authority boundary they were located.

He added: "They want to know whether they can access the skills they need, whether there will be a home their children can afford to live in and what healthcare they can expect if they become ill."

The Minister took the opportunity to praise the great contribution of the region to the rest of the UK and set out his goals and vision for the future while recognising the challenges ahead. He told Regional Assembly members he didn't take the region's contribution for granted, nor did he take for granted the challenges faced in maintaining the success of the South East economy.

Mr Shaw stressed how much could be achieved through partnership working. He emphasised the need for a partnership approach in implementing the sub-national review of economic development and regeneration in the South East, with counties, districts and unitary authorities alike working alongside SEEDA, and partners in the social, economic and environmental sectors closely involved at all stages in the partnership.

He concluded: "I want to work in partnership with you to build on the successes of this region, and secure an even better future."

*What do you think of the Minister's comments? Add your thoughts below.

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