Heseltine Review must be embraced across government, says TUC

date: 30 October 2012

embargo: 00.01hrs 31 October 2012

The TUC has today (Wednesday) backed the Heseltine Review of regional growth in the UK but warned that it needs to be backed across government in order to make a difference.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Lord Heseltine's Review offers a refreshing new strategy for growth. But it must be embraced across government if it's to make a difference.

'By stressing the interdependence of public and private sectors, the review shows that the approach that delivered the London Olympics could create success stories across the country.

'We fully back greater investment in science and research, as well as smarter use of procurement to boost British industry, which are both long standing calls of the TUC.

'Boosting the powers and lending capacity of the British Business Bank will be welcomed by unions and credit-starved businesses, though it may find fewer friends in the Treasury.

'The TUC shares Lord Heseltine's vision of collaboration between the public and private sectors, with unions and employers working together to promote growth.

'But he will have his work cut out in convincing ministers of this new approach, who are going to have to change their attitude towards civil servants, public bodies and unions if they want this strategy to succeed.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Alex Rossiter T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07887 572130 E: arossiter@tuc.org.uk