The Government, recently established bodies in attempt to create regional governance - The South East Regional Assembly (SEERA), South East development Agency (SEEDA) and Government Office for the South-East (GOSE) provide the structure in the South-East. Click here for a general briefing on the relationship between the three bodies. 

THE SOUTH EAST REGIONAL ASSEMBLY

The South East Regional Assembly (SEERA) is billed as the "representative voice of the region" - a 111-strong body meeting three times a year, made up of both Local Authority representatives and members from other sectors. 37 of the SEERA members are from social and environmental groups, business and the arts.

SEERA has responsibility for regional land-use and transport planning, as well as an important role in scrutinising reports and decisions produced by SEEDA. The recent Government White Paper proposes to introduce smaller, elected regional assemblies in those regions which want them -however, this is some way from happening in the South-East region.

In June 2002, SEERA published a draft Regional Transport Strategy for the South East region. Whilst the report contains come good ideas, it fails to tackle the underlying problems threatening quality of life and transport facilities in the South East. Caroline’s upcoming report "Isn’t there another route we could take?" criticises this report and makes the case for an alternative transport strategy - one that isn’t based on increased travel, increased economic growth and further over-heating of the region, but on less travel, less over-heating and a better quality of life in the region.

THE SOUTH EAST DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) was established by the Government in 1999; one of nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) across the country. The RDAs were created to

"co-ordinate regional economic development, help support small businesses and encourage inward investment." (Labour Party Manifesto, 1997)

A business-led organisation, with 15 Board Members appointed by the Government and 200 employees, SEEDA aims to promote the sustainable economic development of the region - promoting business enterprise, attracting investment and advancing regeneration initiatives. RDAs are accountable to Ministers and Parliament, and most closely linked with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) within the governmental structure.

GOVERNMENT OFFICE FOR THE SOUTH-EAST

The Government Office for the South East (GOSE) represents the central government in the South East, particularly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister; the Departments for Education and Skills; Trade and Industry; Transport; Culture, Media and Sport; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Home Office. GOSE works to "influence, contract and develop government programmes and initiatives at a regional and local level, by working in partnership with relevant organisations to meet local needs".

Overall, Government Offices exist to manage regional programmes on behalf of participating Departments, to support and facilitate effective linkages between partners and programmes and to inform the development of Departments’ policies from a regional perspective.

Need further information on the EU and the South East??

Are you:

• a member of the general public?
• a student or teacher?
• a businessperson?
• a voluntary oganisation?

….looking for further information on resources available from the EU to people in the South East region?

The South East of England Network of European Information Providers can help you with information on:

• finding EU funding for your project
• EU policies that influence the south-east
• information for students
• European Institutions and other regional bodies.