Aisling Reilly
West Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As well as thanking every one of the victims and survivors who have contributed, I take the opportunity to also thank the Members of the House past and present and, in particular, the Committee Chair and Committee members, who worked so diligently and carefully to study and examine the Bill, to listen to victims and survivors and to bring…”
“Dealing with that injustice was core to the approach of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Before concluding deliberations on the Bill, I will bring our focus back to the women and children — now adults — their families and all survivors whose experiences have brought us to this point.”
“It is only by addressing the truths hidden in dark shadows that we can begin to properly shine a light on a society that continues to violate and oppress too many women and girls and to make sure that it never happens again and that, together, we commit to breaking the cycle of harm and violence against women and girls.”
“I hope that it now respects and fulfils the wishes of the women and girls who, for many decades, have suffered and been silenced. <BR /> <BR />It is a large, complex and sensitive piece of legislation. It is, no doubt, much more complex legislation than it first appeared, and there were many factors to balance.”
“<BR /> <BR />For some, the prospect of engaging with the inquiry may feel daunting. For that reason, we listened to victims and survivors when they told us that they wanted us to create a dual investigation, so that individuals had the option to engage with an expert independent panel and provide testimony in a different and more informal…”
“I say to the people who are still considering whether to come forward that your testimony matters. To those who have spent years searching for answers, I say that the inquiry will seek those answers.”
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“We have made a good lot of progress on building good relations through the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) strategy, particularly across key areas such as shared housing; engagement of young people through the T:BUC camps and wider, on-the-ground delivery; the Urban Villages initiative; and the removal of interface barriers. I place on record my appreciation of the amazing work done by the community and voluntary sector and, in particular, by groups and organisations on the ground. They are invaluable to us all. <BR /> <BR />Through our engagements and visits in recent months, we have demonstrated that we are fully committed to continuing the process of building good relations in a future defined by peace and prosperity for everyone who calls here home.”
“, I reiterate my condemnation of all violence against women and girls. I reaffirm the Minister of Justice's commitment to working with Executive colleagues and other partners to end violence against women and girls and safeguard all those who are at risk from harm. Violence against women and girls is wrong and has no place in our society, and there is something that everyone can do to stop it. It can affect anyone in villages, towns and cities right across our society. My thoughts are with those who have lost their lives to this horrendous epidemic, but also with those who suffer from it every single day. We see you, we hear you, and we will work together to change our society for the better.”
“Judges will also intervene during a trial as appropriate. <BR /> <BR />Mar fhocal scoir, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle”
“<BR /> <BR />The Lady Chief Justice has statutory responsibility for the provision of training for the independent judiciary, and judges have received specific training on the matter. It is standard practice for judges to give clear and concise direction to jurors on their legislative obligations on the first day of the trial and as required at the conclusion of each day's hearing. As previously mentioned, the Lady Chief Justice has a statutory responsibility for judicial training and, in relation to raising a jury's awareness of rape myths, the Lady Chief Justice's office has advised that judicial training on such matters is regularly delivered and refreshed. The judiciary provides oral directions about rape myths at the start of sexual offence trials. Those instructions are straightforward and cover everything required.”
“The review made a number of recommendations as to how that might be achieved. It remains the Minister's intention to develop relevant policy and legislative proposals before the end of the current mandate. <BR /> <BR />On pretrial jury education, the review specifically recommended that the judiciary should give clear directions to jurors about the use of social media during trials. While the judiciary is wholly independent, officials in the Department of Justice have engaged extensively with the Lady Chief Justice's office to work collectively on a number of the Gillen recommendations in that area. The Lady Chief Justice's office has advised that guidance on the matter is provided in the judicial bench book, which contains specimen directions for judges to give to the jury.”
“<BR /> <BR />The motion specifically cites recommendations that relate to reforming the laws around the defence of reasonable belief and introducing pretrial jury education. The Minister of Justice supports the conclusion that legislative steps need to be taken to underpin the key principle of consent as defined in article 3 of the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, which states:”
“Appropriate interview suites have also been refurbished, with children's toys or props available where required. An ABE cadre of police officers and social care staff was piloted and proved beneficial. <BR /> <BR />Other measures are designed to deliver a cultural and organisational change, again to benefit victims. They include the development and roll-out of a trauma-informed training framework to enhance the understanding, skills and sensitivity of those who work with victims of sexual crime in the criminal justice system. The Department of Justice has also worked with the PSNI and the Executive Office to develop a campaign to tackle the underpinning behaviours and attitudes that can fuel sexual offending and gender-based violence. The Minister of Justice anticipates that the campaign will launch later this month.”
“<BR /> <BR />Separate work through a judge-led under-13s protocol is reducing delay in cases that involve young children, which helps to reduce retraumatisation and to allow children to start their recovery journey sooner. Criminal justice organisations that are participating in the protocol have agreed to seek to expedite similar cases involving witnesses aged under 16 years across all court divisions. Wider work that is also improving the experience of child complainants includes dedicated child-friendly remote evidence centre facilities, the imminent launch of children's sexual offence legal advisers and work on improvement in achieving best evidence (ABE). ABE interview training has improved with input from registered intermediaries, child psychologists and members of the legal profession.”
“<BR /> <BR />Under the disclosure improvement plan, the PSNI and PPS have led work to improve the operation of the disclosure process, and that is making a significant difference. Training has been delivered to prosecutors and police officers, and new file standards have been agreed. As a result, the volume of prosecution files returned to the PSNI for failing requirements dropped from an average of almost 78% in 2020 to about 11% in 2024. Further measures are planned, and the Department of Justice is consulting on legislative proposals to regulate the disclosure process and enhance protections relating to the disclosure of private information in serious sexual offence cases.”
“In addition, remote evidence facilities have been established in Belfast and Craigavon to reduce trauma and provide a less intimidating, secure venue for giving evidence away from the courthouse. Promotion of the remote evidence centres has led to an increase of over 600% in bookings last year compared with 2023. While it is still early days, it is also noteworthy that, in the past calendar year to 1 November, the conviction rate for completed trials where the witness had opted to use one of the facilities was 92%. Almost half of those convictions were by guilty plea, without the need for the victim to give oral evidence at the trial. The use of the Belfast remote evidence centre for domestic abuse contests has proved equally successful, with, again, a conviction rate of over 90%.”
“The Justice Minister plans to build on that service by establishing equivalent support for child victims — that service should launch next month — and by legislating to clarify complainants' rights to pretrial third-party legal representation. That would allow SOLAs to represent them in the courtroom in order to object to the disclosure of their private material or the introduction of their previous sexual history. <BR /> <BR />Many victims say that the most stressful aspect of their criminal justice experience is standing up in a courtroom to give evidence. The Department of Justice has been working to reduce that trauma. New legislation is in place to protect victim anonymity and to exclude members of the public from the courtroom during serious sexual offence trials.”
“In spite of the challenges, DOJ has introduced many measures, services and reforms that deliver real and meaningful improvements for victims of sexual crime. <BR /> <BR />In practical terms, what is different now? The justice system can be disorientating and difficult to understand, so complainants in sexual offence cases are now able to access new supports, including a domestic and sexual abuse advocacy service and the sexual offences legal adviser (SOLA) scheme, that help to inform and empower complainants by providing a free legal service. The SOLA scheme has helped almost 2,000 complainants to date, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
“The review envisaged societal change that needs a collaborative, cross-Executive response, involving Education and Health and cutting across the Executive Office's responsibility to end violence against women and girls. That collective approach and collective responsibility underpin the Executive's work to build a changed society where women and girls feel safe and are safe everywhere. Collaboration is essential for us to start to build the transformative change that is needed to achieve that aim. The Justice Minister is fully committed to the implementation of the review, and good progress has been made in partnership with others. The focus has been on progressing the recommendations that have the most beneficial impact on victims.”
“<BR /> <BR />For the First Minister, the deputy First Minister, junior Minister Cameron and me, ending violence against women and girls has been a day-1 priority. We are determined to work with our Executive colleagues and with the groups and organisations that already do sterling work on the ground to end the scourge of violence, harm and abuse that has an impact right across our society. The motion focuses particularly on the delivery of the Gillen review programme. That is a critical programme of change that will deliver vital measures for victims of serious sexual offences. We know that women and girls are affected disproportionately, but not exclusively, by such offences. <BR /> <BR />Of course, the vision set out in the Gillen review cannot be achieved solely by the Department of Justice.”
“It is making that contribution, particularly through its work to address domestic and sexual abuse and through its delivery of the Gillen review recommendations. The domestic and sexual abuse strategy, which was launched in September 2024, sets out a range of specific actions that are intended to create lasting change and, fundamentally, to keep those who are at risk from domestic and sexual abuse, including women and girls, safer. Clearly, there is interdependence between that work and the Executive Office's strategic framework for ending violence against women and girls. The Justice Minister will ensure that her Department continues to work in partnership with TEO and other Departments to deliver positive change.”
“The Minister will continue to keep under review whether further actions and/or resources could enhance jury education and will consult as appropriate. <BR /> <BR />The Minister wants to make it absolutely clear that all violence against women and girls is completely unacceptable, and she knows that all Members are deeply appalled by the increase in violence against women in recent months. There must be a collective effort from across society and across all Departments, not just Justice, to address the issues. That is why it is right that we in the Executive Office have lead responsibility for the delivery of the strategic framework for ending violence against women and girls. <BR /> <BR />The Department of Justice has an important contribution to make, however.”
“I am responding to the debate on behalf of the Minister of Justice, and I wish her well. I know that she will be back in the Chamber as soon as she can. <BR /> <BR />The Minister is grateful to the leader of the Opposition for tabling the important motion that is before the House. On the DUP amendment, I can confirm that it is the Minister's intention to consult on proposals to clarify the legal definition of what constitutes "reasonable belief in consent" before the end of the current mandate. On pretrial jury education, resources are already available to assist and educate jurors, including written guidance on their legal responsibilities, on contempt of court and on the laws around their use of social media. The judiciary also provides oral directions on social media use and on rape myths.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Bhí sé ar dhuine de phearsana móra shaol na Gaeilge agus shaol cultúrtha na hÉireann: mar bhunaitheoir an tí foilsitheoireachta Coiscéim, mar údar, mar fhile, agus mar ghníomhaí teanga. Déanaim comhbhrón ó chroí le muintir Uí Snodaigh, agus go háirithe le mo chomhghleacaí Aengus, ar Teachta Dála i dTeach Laighean é. <BR /> <BR />MórGhaeil go smior imithe uainn. Mar Ghael, gabhaim mo bhuíochas le Ted, le Gearóid agus le Pádraig as ucht bhur gcuid iarrachtaí ár dteanga, ár gcultúr agus ár bhféiniúlacht a chur chun cinn. Ní bheidh bhur leithéid arís ann.”
“Mo léan, d’imigh Gaeil eile ar shlí na fírinne le linn shos na Nollag. Bhí Gearóid Ó Cairealláin ina uachtarán ar Chonradh na Gaeilge ó 1995 go 1998, agus is iomaí togra ceannródaíoch a raibh baint aige lena mbunú: an nuachtán ‘Lá’, Aisling Ghéar, an comhlacht amharclannaíochta, Raidió Fáilte, Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, agus Meánscoil Feirste. Bhí Gearóid lárnach do athbheochan na Gaeilge i mBéal Feirste, agus bhí sé mar chroílár inti. Ba mhaith liom, arís eile, comhbhrón ó chroí a dhéanamh le muintir Uí Chairealláin ag an am seo. <BR /> <BR />D’imigh iaruachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge eile, Pádraig Ó Snodaigh, uainn le déanaí. Bhí Pádraig ina uachtarán ar Chonradh na Gaeilge ó naoi déag seachtó a ceathair go naoi déag seachtó a naoi.”
“Is cúis mhór bhróin domh a fhógairt gur imigh Ted Howell ar shlí na fírinne. D’imir Ted ról lárnach sna cainteanna síochána agus i gComhaontú Aoine an Chéasta. Nuair a labhraíonn daoine faoin chineál fir a bhí i dTed, deir siad go raibh sé greannmhar, cineálta, dílis agus go raibh a saol tiomanta don phoblachtachas. Lena chois sin uilig, ba fhear céile é, daidí, daideo agus cara agus ba mhaith liom comhbhrón ó chroí a dhéanamh le muintir Howell.”
“For those who wish to avail themselves of the translation service, I say that I will make my remarks in Irish.”
“That work includes creating structures that ensure a more coordinated and collaborative approach across government and Departments to facilitate the allocation of funding, put in place advice services for those who require them and develop an orientation package.”
“Yes. I recognise and commend the work that you have done, with other Members, over the past few months. You stood on the streets with residents to reject the hate and racism that we witnessed and to support our minority ethnic communities, as you always have done and, I am sure, will continue to do. I had the great opportunity to meet various organisations that are on the ground, day and daily, supporting those who seek refuge here. I also recognise the vital work that they do to support those who are in need. Whilst we consider the draft refugee integration strategy, officials are progressing work that is designed to strengthen support for those who seek international protection here.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Department of Education and the Education Authority completed a mid-term review of the arrangement in early November and concluded that no change was required. However, the Housing Executive recently advised that the length of stay for those in temporary and non-standard accommodation has increased. The Housing Executive, along with our officials, is following up with the Department of Education and the Education Authority on the implications of that for the current arrangements.”
“Our Department does not have statutory responsibility for providing education to refugee and asylum-seeking children, but we are aware that the Education Authority will not start school enrolment for an initial four-week period for children who are living in contingency asylum accommodation or Housing Executive temporary, non-standard accommodation. The Education Authority has advised us that that change was made because families are often in those types of accommodation for short periods and it causes unnecessary disruption for the children and their families if they secure a school place and then move to another school after a few weeks. The Education Authority has assessed that such upheaval is unnecessarily unsettling for the child and is not in their best interests.”
“In parallel with that, our officials chair a move-on coordination group, through which the impact on school placement of moving to temporary accommodation has been highlighted. As a result, a data-sharing agreement is now in place between the Housing Executive and the Education Authority (EA) to help share information in order to, where possible, mitigate and manage concerns on access to education.”
“We welcome the fact that those seeking refuge are no longer being left waiting for lengthy periods for a decision on their asylum cases. The increasingly high number of people moving on as the Home Office deals with the backlog has, unfortunately, necessitated the Housing Executive to place some people in temporary accommodation. We understand that, although that addresses the immediate need for shelter, other needs, such as education, can also be disrupted. The unsuitability of housing and frequent house moves are difficult for people and interrupt their integration journeys. We are considering a revised draft refugee integration strategy and associated delivery framework that recognises those concerns.”
“I am delighted to say that four projects have been added to the Urban Villages capital plan: the School of Music in Donegall Pass; the market arches in the Markets; Westland Community Centre in North Belfast; and the Realm Project in Derry. Those projects will be great assets and great additions to those communities. They will enable the Urban Villages initiative to meet the needs that were identified in the strategic framework for Urban Villages areas.”
“I thank the Member for her question and acknowledge her interest in the work of the Urban Villages programme and the promotion of good relations that she does more generally. As the Member knows, work on the ground continues, with local communities playing a vital role in shaping the projects and benefiting from their delivery. Since taking office, I, alongside junior Minister Cameron, have visited numerous sites, met organisations and witnessed the positive changes that have taken place as a result of the programme, both in Belfast and in Derry. Those projects are the building blocks for a shared, inclusive and welcoming society.”
“Absolutely. I also commend everyone whom you mentioned, because, as I said, working collaboratively and collectively with all the people on the ground is most important. We are happy to chase up for you where the letter of offer is.”
“Yes, absolutely. Our team will work with Westland Community Group to ensure that collaborative approach, because that is really important. We engage with community groups on the ground, because they are best placed and know exactly what that community needs. <BR /> <BR />I also want to mention that the Urban Villages team will operate in North Belfast until 2030. That will allow all the capital projects to be completed. The aim of Urban Villages was to provide additionality to existing provision within the areas, and we have come some way in that regard. We continue to work with our colleagues in other Departments to understand how support can best be delivered to communities in a way that will be impactful and sustainable.”
“As the project develops, TEO officials, together with Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities, will continue to work collaboratively with Westland Community Group to help develop the capacity required to operate the new facility.”
“With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 2 and 15 together. <BR /> <BR />We are pleased to confirm that funding of £1·6 million has been allocated for Westland Community Centre in North Belfast. That new facility will provide services that will allow the community to access adult counselling, health and well-being events, after-school clubs and special needs support, and provide a focal point for local groups and programmes. Some 58 Urban Villages capital projects are now complete, including 13 in North Belfast, which include a range of shared community facilities, parks and public realm improvements.”
“Ba iad sláinte, cúrsaí tithíochta agus an costas maireachtála príomhábhair an toghcháin seo. Chuir daoine muinín i Sinn Féin le haghaidh a thabhairt ar na saincheisteanna sin atáimid a phlé anseo agus a bhfuilimid ag dul i ngleic leo le fada an lá. <BR /> <BR />Cé nach bhfuil an Rialtas nua socair go fóill, tá mé ag tnúth le bheith ag obair leo ar thionscadail trasteorann, agus tá mé ag tnúth fosta le fáilte a chur roimh mo chomhghleacaithe nuathofa.”
“Bhí olltoghchán sna Sé Chontae is Fiche an tseachtain seo caite. Ba mhaith liom buíochas ó chroí a ghabháil le gach duine a sheas mar iarrthóir do Shinn Féin sa toghchán. Tuigimid sa tSeomra seo, mar ionadaithe tofa, na dúshláin a bhaineann le toghcháin: ag gabháil faoi agallaimh, ag canbhasáil, agus ag stocaireacht de lá agus d’oíche. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a gabháil le gníomhaithe ar fud na tíre a thacaigh leis na hiarrthóirí uile go léir. Is é Sinn Féin an t-aon pháirtí polaitíochta a thug deis do gach saoránach ar an oileán seo ionadaíocht aontaithe a fháil. Chaith mé féin seal sa Chabrach, ag canbhasáil agus ag labhairt le toghthóirí faoinár bhfís, faoinár misean agus faoinár gcuid oibre le hÉire nua a bhaint amach. <BR /> <BR />Gabhaim buíochas le gach duine a chaith vóta ar son Shinn Féin.”
“<BR /> <BR />In closing, I thank colleagues for joining me today to discuss these important issues. Minister Murphy assures Members that he will continue to work with all stakeholders in the efforts to restore the spirit of our high streets and town centres. I think that there is cross-party support on the issue. We all recognise how important town centres are to the social and economic life of our constituencies. It is the Minister's hope that, through a collective focus, we will transform these spaces into the vibrant, resilient hubs that we envision, ensuring that they continue to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Member for West Belfast raised the ability or inability of those with reduced mobility, wheelchair users and those using prams to access town centres. That is a really important issue that all of us are likely to face at some stage in our life. It is important, particularly with an ageing population, that we ensure that public spaces are accessible to all. Although footpaths are not in the Minister for the Economy's remit, he is happy to help support work on the issue, where possible. <BR /> <BR />Ms Armstrong raised the issue of derelict properties, which is also a significant issue in some town centres. The Department for Communities, together with councils, is responsible for regeneration and local economic policy. Again, Minister Murphy is happy to support the work in that area.”
“I want to turn to some of the points raised in today's debate and touch on the amendments. The Minister is committed to working with all Executive colleagues, including the Minister of Finance, to address the issue as it relates to business rates. I understand that, rather than undertake a further one-off review, the Finance Minister aims to work with Executive colleagues on a more strategic approach and to progress a rolling review and evaluation of the current suite of rate support measures in both the non-domestic and domestic rating system. As part of that work, she will work with business bodies, organisations and wider society to build a progressive rates system that both grows our tax base and stimulates our economy.”
“Addressing the challenges faced by our high streets is a job for the whole Executive to respond to. I can confirm to Members that the Minister for the Economy is committed to delivering the actions needed to make that a reality.”
“<BR /> <BR />The establishment of local economic partnerships under Minister Murphy's subregional economic plan is just one example of how Departments can work with local bodies for the betterment of our high streets.”
“There are also cross-cutting and wider social issues that impact on our high streets. Tackling violence against women and girls means ensuring that we proactively think about how to ensure that our entire population is safe in public as well as private spaces. <BR /> <BR />The Department for the Economy is involved in an ongoing and significant investment in our town centres with programmes around public realm and environmental improvements, urban development grants and the development of business improvement districts. The relationship between central government and councils will be essential to the success of all of those endeavours. Councils have a deep understanding of the local challenges and opportunities that will allow for tailored approaches that are more likely to succeed.”
“<BR /> <BR />Minister Murphy will work with the Department for Infrastructure, through its range of functions and network of assets, to positively influence the delivery of public services, the operation of local businesses and the daily lives of communities, town centres and high streets. The Minister notes the Department for Infrastructure's new transport strategy, which aspires to better connect neighbouring communities to our towns and city centres, and the Department's work with NI Water to alleviate capacity constraints so that high street redevelopment can proceed without hindrance. <BR /> <BR />Minister Murphy also considers the Department for Communities a key partner in efforts to rejuvenate our high streets, with consideration of that Department's particular remit for town centre renewal.”
“The delivery of the high street task force report requires a response from across the Executive, and Minister Murphy is keen to work with other Departments to ensure that that happens. For example, he will work with the Department of Finance to explore support options for smaller local businesses that are struggling with rates bills. He is also keen to see more initiatives like the small business rate relief scheme, which has been extended through 2024-25 to provide support to some 30,000 small businesses throughout our towns and cities, and the Back in Business scheme, which incentivises the use of long-term vacant retail space and is already bringing new businesses to our high streets.”
“Minister Murphy considers that recommendation 8 — "Fair Work on Our High Streets" — sits within the remit of his Department and will be delivered through his work on good jobs, but he is also keen to collaborate with departmental and local government colleagues on any of the other recommendations. <BR /> <BR />The report of the high street task force recognises that collaborative approaches must continue over the coming years to deliver high streets in village, town and city centres that are fit for the 21st century, and it is something that the Minister takes on board. It is not, however, for one Department to develop a strategy to address the varied issues faced by high-street and town-centre businesses.”
“<BR /> <BR />Through his dedication to the creation of more good jobs here, Minister Murphy is ensuring that his Department delivers on one of the key recommendations of the high street task force. It reported on its recommendations in 2022, although consideration of the implementation was delayed, pending the formation of the current Executive. The report contains 14 recommendations. Several of the recommendations have a pragmatic focus on existing delivery mechanisms, while others seek fundamental reform of key policies, such as rating and planning, or call for significant additional investment.”
“The Labour Relations Agency is leading the development of the Good Work charter and plans to consult on a draft charter before Christmas with an aim to finalise it in early 2025. <BR /> <BR />In addition to the employment rights legislation and the Good Work charter, Minister Murphy is focused on initiatives to promote greater adoption here of the real living wage. The Minister recently announced funding support for an initiative by Advice NI, in partnership with the Living Wage Foundation, to raise awareness of the real living wage across the North and to promote living wage accreditation among employers. We know that higher wages are associated with increased productivity and job satisfaction, which could address critical challenges for typical high-street businesses that often struggle with staff recruitment and retention.”
“Minister Murphy has already made progress in that area with the proposed introduction of new employment rights legislation and a Good Work charter to ensure better jobs and to promote a healthy work-life balance. <BR /> <BR />The Minister held his wide-ranging public consultation on employment rights earlier this year. The legislation that flows from it will modernise and strengthen our employment legislation framework to ensure that it provides appropriate minimum standards of rights and decent working conditions for all. That should help deliver fair work on our high streets, while ensuring that our many good employers, who already treat their workers fairly, can operate on a level playing field.”
“Partnerships will identify the main barriers to local economic development and the priority interventions that will build each region's value proposition, with dedicated funding of £45 million over a three-year period from April 2025. <BR /> <BR />In parallel with Minister Murphy's commitment to regional balance is his focus on good jobs. The need to promote good work and fair work policies for workers was acknowledged in the 'New Decade, New Approach' agreement of 2020 and continues to be recognised through the Minister's economic priorities. People who work in high street businesses should have the same right as everyone else to jobs that offer fulfilment, security and fair pay.”
“An important shift in that direction took place in 2015, when councils assumed greater economic responsibilities, recognising the value of local areas leading their own economic development. The Minister intends to build on that by providing communities with more opportunity to identify their priorities. <BR /> <BR />Minister Murphy introduced the subregional economic plan at the beginning of October. That is a new strategic approach to economic development that is locally led and places regional balance at its heart. Councils will be asked to establish local economic partnerships, bringing together central government, the business community, universities, colleges, local enterprise agencies and civic society.”