The first draft of the sector led guidance on economic assessments is now available in the Local Economics Assessments Community of Practice: http://www.communities.idea.gov.uk/c/1108381/home.do . This has been developed by consultants (Rocket Science and Globe Regeneration) working with an action learning set of 17 local authorities. It has been prepared in liaison with many partner organisations, including ONS and CLG, and provides a detailed and comprehensive “how to” guide to undertaking local economic assessments. Our recommendation is for local authorities to start work on their assessments before the Duty commences, which is likely to be April 2010, and this will help them to do so. The Government's draft statutory guidance is expected to be issued for consultation in the near future. Please feel free to post your views and comments on the CoP or register further interest/comments in the first instance with Dorcas.Haslam@globelimited.co.uk If you are not a member of the CoP, register on the community of practice website – it only takes five minutes. Then use the search facility or the list of communities to find the Local Economic Assessments community. Cheers.
