Many of the local enterprise partnerships set up by the Government with the aim of delivering economic growth have made "limited progress" since being launched a year ago, according to a new report.
Centre for Cities, a research and policy unit, said some of the LEPs are yet to have their boards recognised by the Government, only two have produced a long-term strategic plan and five do not have a website.
The report also highlighted high levels of bureaucracy such as large boards or associated focus groups which it warned could slow decision-making.
Andrew Carter, director of policy and research at Centre for Cities, said: "While a handful of LEPs are doing really well, many are struggling to come close to meeting the objectives that were set to them by Government this time last year.
"One of our biggest concerns is the spatial geography of some LEPs does not match the economic and political geography, creating real barriers to effective influence over local economies.
"This means that many of the LEPs seem to be falling at the first hurdle, before boards are recognised or strategies considered.
"Some are too small, some are too big and several have boundaries which do not recognise important economic patterns such as travel to work areas.
"Some are developing large shadow boards and focus groups, likely to make it difficult to make strategic decisions for economic growth quickly and efficiently."
