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16/06/2003
Three English regions prepare for assemblies referenda
Three English regions are to move towards holding referendums for elected regional assemblies, the Deputy Prime Minister announced today.
The northern regions - North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber – have been selected following responses to the government's soundings exercise aimed to test the level of interest in holding a referendum in all eight English regions. The earliest referendums could be ordered is summer 2004 which would allow the first referendums to take place in autumn 2004.
More than 8,400 separate responses were received – more than 80% of them were from people responding in a private capacity. The other 1,200 responses were from organisations or interested individuals responding in a representative capacity. It is estimated that at least 50,000 people were involved in some way in the soundings exercise since it began in December 2002.
The three regions will now be subject to a local government review conducted by the Boundary Committee - a necessary pre-cursor to referendums on elected regional assemblies, says the government.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: "In the past six years, we have achieved a far-reaching and radical programme of constitutional change. We have handed power back to the people through devolution to Scotland and Wales and restored democratic city-wide government to London.
"An elected regional assembly will give people more say about the issues that affect their region. It can make government more effective and accountable and also represent the specific priorities of that region at a national level.
In May 2002 the White Paper, 'Your Region, Your Choice', was published setting out the government's proposals to establish elected regional assemblies, and last month the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act became law, paving the way for referendums to be held.
The decision today is another step towards the possible establishment of elected regional assemblies.
However, this step is not being taken by all English regions – five of the eight regions have shown less interest in holding a referendum at this time.
The government is also planning to strengthen regional autonomy by looking at existing regional institutions. This has an important part to play in revitalising all eight English regions.
The Deputy Prime Minister said: "The institutions that already exist - the Regional Chambers, the Regional Development Agencies and the Government Offices for the Regions - will continue to ensure that there is a distinctive regional voice from each region heard in Whitehall and elsewhere."
(GmcG)
The northern regions - North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber – have been selected following responses to the government's soundings exercise aimed to test the level of interest in holding a referendum in all eight English regions. The earliest referendums could be ordered is summer 2004 which would allow the first referendums to take place in autumn 2004.
More than 8,400 separate responses were received – more than 80% of them were from people responding in a private capacity. The other 1,200 responses were from organisations or interested individuals responding in a representative capacity. It is estimated that at least 50,000 people were involved in some way in the soundings exercise since it began in December 2002.
The three regions will now be subject to a local government review conducted by the Boundary Committee - a necessary pre-cursor to referendums on elected regional assemblies, says the government.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: "In the past six years, we have achieved a far-reaching and radical programme of constitutional change. We have handed power back to the people through devolution to Scotland and Wales and restored democratic city-wide government to London.
"An elected regional assembly will give people more say about the issues that affect their region. It can make government more effective and accountable and also represent the specific priorities of that region at a national level.
In May 2002 the White Paper, 'Your Region, Your Choice', was published setting out the government's proposals to establish elected regional assemblies, and last month the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act became law, paving the way for referendums to be held.
The decision today is another step towards the possible establishment of elected regional assemblies.
However, this step is not being taken by all English regions – five of the eight regions have shown less interest in holding a referendum at this time.
The government is also planning to strengthen regional autonomy by looking at existing regional institutions. This has an important part to play in revitalising all eight English regions.
The Deputy Prime Minister said: "The institutions that already exist - the Regional Chambers, the Regional Development Agencies and the Government Offices for the Regions - will continue to ensure that there is a distinctive regional voice from each region heard in Whitehall and elsewhere."
(GmcG)
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23 July 2004
'Concerns' lead to regional assembly postal voting reschedule
Referendums on elected regional assemblies in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber have been rescheduled following Parliamentary concerns over postal voting, the government has announced today.
'Concerns' lead to regional assembly postal voting reschedule
Referendums on elected regional assemblies in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber have been rescheduled following Parliamentary concerns over postal voting, the government has announced today.
05 November 2004
North east issues overwhelming 'No' for regional assembly
Voters in the north east of England have categorically rejected Labour plans for a regional assembly, it has emerged today. With over three-quarters of the electors, or 696,519 people, voting against in the referendum, the prospect of a regional assembly in the north east has been knocked back for at least seven years.
North east issues overwhelming 'No' for regional assembly
Voters in the north east of England have categorically rejected Labour plans for a regional assembly, it has emerged today. With over three-quarters of the electors, or 696,519 people, voting against in the referendum, the prospect of a regional assembly in the north east has been knocked back for at least seven years.
03 November 2003
Campaign to devolve powers to the regions unveiled
A new campaign launched today is set to help people in north west and north east England, and Yorkshire and the Humber to decide if they want to vote 'yes' for an elected regional assembly.
Campaign to devolve powers to the regions unveiled
A new campaign launched today is set to help people in north west and north east England, and Yorkshire and the Humber to decide if they want to vote 'yes' for an elected regional assembly.
24 June 2003
Regions show slight improvement says CBI research
Firms are predicting a modest pick-up in business in eight out of nine English regions after spending most of the year struggling against a global economic slowdown, the CBI has said.
Regions show slight improvement says CBI research
Firms are predicting a modest pick-up in business in eight out of nine English regions after spending most of the year struggling against a global economic slowdown, the CBI has said.
17 April 2003
Regional imports suffer £1bn slump
Government figures released today have revealed that the value of regional imports has slumped by around £1 billion over the past quarter. According the Customs and Excise report, estimates for the fourth quarter 2002 saw regional imports dip £1 billion, or 2%, on the third quarter's figures to £51.4 billion.
Regional imports suffer £1bn slump
Government figures released today have revealed that the value of regional imports has slumped by around £1 billion over the past quarter. According the Customs and Excise report, estimates for the fourth quarter 2002 saw regional imports dip £1 billion, or 2%, on the third quarter's figures to £51.4 billion.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
