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We continue to be heavily involved in the response to the flooding in Cumbria in November. We provide regular reports to Whitehall colleagues and ensure that local concerns requiring Government action are progressed efficiently. Our work has involved the provision of temporary crossings across the Derwent, help with school travel arrangements and repairs to rights of way.
Manufacturing in the North West was on the agenda of the ninth meeting of the North West Joint Economic Commission, held at the University of Lancashire, Preston. Following the meeting, Phil Woolas, the North West Regional Minister, met with the North West Banking Forum and then toured the university with Graham Baldwin, Deputy Vice Chancellor.
Senior officials from Government Office took part in a Circles of Influence event at the DW Stadium in Wigan where young people got the chance to talk about the big issues they face today. Seven themed discussions were held in a circle format consisting of groups of young people aged 11-19 in debate with influential leaders and policy-makers. The event was organised by Government Office and the North West Regional Youth Work Unit.
The Regional Strategy is to become the statutory document setting out the blueprint for sustainable economic growth, sustainable development and land use. Development of the strategy is being led by 4NW (the Regional Leaders' Board) and the North West Development Agency, in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including Government Office.
The Regional Select Committee is to hold its second inquiry into the future of nuclear energy in the North West. We have submitted written evidence through the Regional Minister on behalf of the Government and the Minister will be invited to a hearing in the near future.
The North West Black and Minority Ethnic Advisory Group has reached agreement about how to progress leadership development through targeted work to improve black and minority ethnic representation on public sector boards. Our Community Safety team is working with the group on issues of confidence in the police and hate crime. The feedback from the advisory group will help the team to formulate an action plan.
As part of its Preventing Violent Extremism consultation programme, Neil O'Connor, Director for Cohesion and Migration at the Department for Communities and Local Government, hosted its first Q and A event at the Pakistan Centre in Liverpool. More than 50 local community members and stakeholders took part in discussions on subjects ranging from vulnerable individuals, targeted funding and community support to the role of elected members.
We hosted the first meeting of the independent Hillsborough Panel, chaired by the Bishop of Liverpool in our Cunard offices. The panel, which will meet monthly for the next two years, is making public documents associated with the Hillsborough Stadium disaster in 1989. It will also report on how the disclosure adds to public understanding of the tragedy and its aftermath.
Vernon Coaker announced a one-off payment of £450,000 to fund school buses and transport in Cumbria. Tony McGee, our head of youth policy, worked closely with the Department for Children, Schools and Families on agreement of the additional funds.
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