Wrangles over unitary authority status not good for business says the Chamber
08/02/2008
Wrangles over unitary authority status need to stop if Bedfordshire is to remain attractive to business according to the Chamber, which represents businesses in Bedfordshire and Luton.
Said Richard Lacy, Chief Executive of the Chamber:
'While we appreciate the concern that local authorities feel about their futures, businesses tell us they are fed-up with the uncertainty caused by this situation. Local authorities are in danger of taking their eye off the ball and business will be the loser. This helps no one as what's good for the business community is good for the local economy, inward investment and, crucially, jobs.'
Mr Lacy says businesses believe the time has come for local authorities to put parochial interests behind them and look at what is best for Bedfordshire as a whole:
'Bedfordshire is a relatively small county and local authorities have little excuse for not exercising a genuinely joined up approach. Along with the business community, the Chamber wants an outcome that is good for business. Regardless of what the Secretary of State decides, we must seize the opportunity to work together towards lasting economic prosperity for Bedfordshire. The Chamber is ready to play its part on behalf of business and now we are urging our local authority partners to join us in considering the bigger picture.'
