Media Releases
News Release : 12 September 2001ASSEMBLY BACKS SEEDA'S AMBITIOUS GROWTH TARGETS FOR SOUTH EAST THE SOUTH EAST ENGLAND REGIONAL ASSEMBLY HAS COME OUT IN SUPPORT for an increased rate of growth for the South East. They are backing SEEDA's target of increasing the trend growth in GDP per capita after inflation to 3.3% a year by 2005. But the Assembly insists that improving economic performance needs to be achieved without compromising the region's environment. The GDP target was one of the 11 regional targets which SEEDA presented to the Regional Assembly's Executive Committee as their Public Service Agreement (PSA) with Government. As from April 2002, SEEDA will have a "single pot" fund of money rather than a series of individually approved programmes of funding. In return for this greater freedom, SEEDA is negotiating a Public Service Agreement (PSA) with the Government. Apart from the target to increase the region's rate of economic growth, there are other targets relating, for example, to regeneration, skills, enterprise and investment. Smart Growth Paul Bevan, Chief Executive, Regional Assembly said: "Sustainable economic growth is a high priority for the region as a whole. The South East's current rate of growth of 3% is higher than the national rate and the Regional Assembly supports SEEDA's commitment to maintaining and increasing this rate of growth. But it is essential that we achieve improved economic performance by using the region's physical resources more efficiently, rather than building all over the countryside. What we need is smart growth. "The Regional Assembly would also like SEEDA to address within its PSA the issue of closing the gap in economic performance across the region. Although the South East is a prosperous region with a high growth rate, there are also pockets of deprivation are in need of regeneration. In order for the whole region to benefit from increased prosperity, SEEDA's regional targets need to ensure that economic activity is well distributed across the region." The Regional Assembly also raised concerns about affordable housing. SEEDA intends to work with partners to ensure that by 2008, 60% of new housing is provided on previously developed land and through conversion of existing buildings. Paul Bevan added: "The South East cannot deliver increased prosperity for the country unless greater resources and more imagination is applied to the severe lack of affordable housing, which is already jeopardising public services in the areas of greatest pressure." The Regional Assembly's comments on SEEDA's Public Service Agreement will be incorporated into the draft that will be put before the SEEDA board for agreement later this week. ContactLesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223 Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221
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