MPs DEMAND ANSWERS FROM SOUTH WEST RDA OVER FUNDING CUTS
May 20, 2009 5:00 PM
Cornwall's Lib Dem MPs have criticised the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) for their apparent unwillingness to discuss the impact of budget cuts on the Cornish economy.
The South West RDA wrote to the MPs in March to notify them of their intent to review the budgets for all programmes - in order to fill their multi-million pound funding shortfall.
The Parliamentary Team for Cornwall wrote back to express their concerns that cuts would pose a severe threat to the local economy during the recession and asked for a meeting to discuss what steps will be taken in order to minimise the impact.
In response the RDA sent a two-line letter claiming that they would respond 'shortly' - and that was over a month ago.
Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy said:
"The RDAs appear to be unable to justify their existence and explain their current plans - it would be better for us all if they were abolished, with their powers and resources transferred to a local level, where at least there is democratic accountability.
"We have now written to the RDA again asking for a meeting as a matter of urgency. It is simply not acceptable for them to reduce investment in Cornwall without discussion or explanation."
North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson added:
"Regional Development Agency's are unelected and apparently completely unaccountable as the South West RDA has ignored a reasonable request to discuss their budget cuts with us.
"At a time of such instability, the people of Cornwall need reassurance that the scope of convergence programmes will not be reduced and that European funding will continue to be available to support the local economy."
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