Learning from LEP integration

Henham Strategy was commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) to undertake a short-fuse piece of work in January 2024, in recognition of the challenges and opportunities for local authorities in integrating Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). Henham undertook desk-based research and delivered four workshops with 28 officers from 24 councils alongside representatives of the County Councils Network and LEP Network to explore what LEPs did well; where they presented challenges; the specific challenges places encountered in integrating LEPs; and make a series of recommendations for the LGA, along with key messages for external affairs activity.

Our research found that most places were making good progress integrating LEPs by transferring their functions, assets and staff into local authorities. It was this transfer process that was proving to be challenging – and costly – at the time of the research. Meanwhile, the relative lack of clarity from Government and the sense that there “is no prize” for undertaking LEP integration was a source of frustration.

Given local authorities’ increased responsibilities post-integration, we recommended that the LGA considered reinstating a workstream dedicated to local economic development with a view to influencing Government, going forward.