In response to enquiries following the CSR announcement of a reduction in central funding for Thames Gateway projects, TGLP released the following statement to the media from Chief Executive Ros Dunn:

“It is obviously disappointing to lose specific funding for the Thames Gateway. However there is still significant public and private sector investment coming into the area, and we have campaigned hard alongside our boroughs and the Mayor of London to ensure that important projects such as Crossrail and the Olympic legacy work are protected.  This committed investment in infrastructure in the Thames Gateway is absolutely crucial for driving economic growth in the whole of the UK economy, and we are continuing to actively work with private sector partners to ensure that the Thames Gateway can maximise the impact of this investment and through initiatives such as Local Enterprise Partnerships adapt to this new political and economic environment.”

“Thames Gateway Minister Bob Neill MP and his government colleagues remain committed to the Thames Gateway.  The level of engagement we have seen from new ministers has been high, and the appointment of a dedicated minister within the CLG is an indicator of government’s continued recognition of the national importance of the Thames Gateway project.

“Alongside our other sub-regional partners, the Thames Gateway London Partnership (TGLP)  have held very productive meetings with the Minister in which he has set out his commitment to the future of the Gateway.  However, he has also made it clear that there will be change of approach to the Thames Gateway which will be very much in line with the coalition’s government’s desire to give control to local authorities and take more of a ‘back seat’ role.

“We certainly do not take the view that the announcements made in last week’s spending review represent an end to the Thames Gateway project.”

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TGLP’s reaction to the government announcement has been used alongside wider coverage of the effect of budget reductions for local councils and regeneration areas