Does there have to be an ANEC?

By Adrian Pearson on Aug 6, 09 04:33 PM

Rejoice, oh regional affair buffs. Our friends at DCLG have published guidance on the new regional strategies and leaders' boards. Yes, the future is coming.

In its simplest form this document will show quangos and councils how they should work together to create a new document which governs where we build houses, roads and business parks.
One key point in it says there is no reason why a board made up of the 12 regional leaders here in the North East should not follow existing structures if they are already in place. Good news for the Association of North East Councils, which has more or less taken it upon itself to be this forum.
But does ANEC need to be here? No. And some in the region are beginning to wonder, if other regions can form a statutory leaders forum without paying fees to a council association, just what extra do they get for their money?
I've seen some very neutral answers when leaders have been asked to comment on the future of ANEC, always a worrying sign.
With the bill for the single strategy going through the final stages now, it could soon be decsion time for the region.

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