The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) exists to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of the region. It consists of a partnership of elected representatives from the 54 local authorities in the East of England and appointed representatives from social, economic and environmental interests (Community Stakeholders).
The full Assembly has 102 members in 2005/06 and meets approximately twice a year. In addition, there are a number of specialist Panels that meet more frequently to look at issues of regional strategic importance such as planning and housing. The Assembly has around 45 staff and is based at Flempton, near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
Services provided to local authorities
Employers Services
EERA is the registered Employers Association for the East of England, with a range of services for its Local Authority members. Its main functions are to:
- Represent the views of member authorities to Government, the Employers Organisation and IDeA and other regional or national bodies on appropriate issues relating to employment.
- Negotiate and consult with recognised Trade Unions at regional level.
- Provide conciliation services.
In addition the following services are provided on a commercial basis:
- Provision of information, advice and support regarding any matter affecting employee relations, training and development and management practise.
- Provision of direct training and development and organise learning events.
There are also a variety of networks coordinated by EERA that provide opportunities for officers to share experiences and good practice within specific areas of responsibility.
Planning Services
As Regional Planning Body for the region, the EERA is responsible for preparing and reviewing the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England. This will provide broad guidance on the future development of the region, including housing and transportation issues. These will provide a framework for the local authorities to prepare Local Development Plans and Local Transport Plans.
For further information about the work of the Regional Assembly visit their website at http://www.eera.gov.uk/
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