Improving subnational economic development and decentralisation policy in the UK
Research by geographers at the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (CURDS), Newcastle University revealed the potential of subnational economic development and decentralisation policy to reduce UK spatial economic inequalities.
Issue
The UK’s overly-centralised governance causes inefficient resource allocation, under-utilises economic potential, reinforces London-oriented decision-making, and entrenches spatial economic inequalities.
Approach
CURDS research revealed the ad hoc, piecemeal, and rapid nature of decentralisation and the UK Government's patchwork of initiatives in England since 2010.
In 2013, CURDS undertook the first national review of the 39 new Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) responsible for promoting local growth across England; and the first national assessment of the 33 City Deals from 2011.
Impact
Two key House of Commons Communities and Local Government Committee inquiries drew substantially on CURDS’ research. Reflecting CURDS’ critique and suggested reforms, the new framework developed since 2016 represented a substantial change.
The National Audit Office’s 2016 report on LEPs utilises issues identified by CURDS’ research in its analysis and recommendations. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) policy changed to clarify LEPs’ purpose and role, accountability, governance, performance monitoring, and support their capacity building.
The City Deals research directly impacted on the development of the UK Government’s approach to Devolution, City and Regional Growth Deals. CURDS’ research improved the design, development, and implementation of new City and Regional Growth Deals in Cardiff, Swansea, and North Wales.
More information
Institution: Newcastle University
Researchers: Dr Louise Kempton, Professor Danny MacKinnon
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How to cite
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) (2023) Improving subnational economic development and decentralisation policy in the UK. Available at https://rgs.org/subnationaleconomicdevelopment Last accessed on: <date>