Heather Jameson 06 May 2021

Devolution must focus on economy, says think-tank

Devolution must focus on economy, says think-tank image

Devolution needs to focus on rebuilding the economy rather than local government reorganisation, a think-tank has claimed.

Launching its latest report as the Government announced a new White Paper on Levelling Up, Localis warned that the Government’s economic growth strategy focused too much on decentralisation and not enough on devolution.

Localis head of research Joe Fyans said: ‘Any government plans to move forward with devolution need to prioritise the task of restoring the nation’s economic and social fortunes and should not be fixated by the view that doing so inevitably means ringing in the changes to the governance structures of the local state.’

The report, A Plan for Local Growth, calls for ministers to support community control of high-street regeneration, to speed up the devolution of skills and to give councils and their partners a clear role in economic development and achieving net zero.

Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran urged ministers to seize the opportunity of the White Paper to make sure Government plans to create industry clusters across the UK.

‘Otherwise, we risk the continuation of a lop-sided, centrally-led, interventionist growth policy which only serves to hamstring our localities from achieving anything like their inherent place potential,’ he added.

The Government announced on Tuesday that it would publish the Levelling up White Paper – to be led by the Prime Minister – later this year.

Writing for The MJ, Paul Marinko said it's not surprising that confidence in the programme seems to be draining away.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Registered Building Inspector (Band 2/Grade 7)

Health and Safety Executive
£60,760 - £65,776
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is transforming building safety regulation across England. United Kingdom / various Locations
Recuriter: Health and Safety Executive

Revenues and Recovery Team Leader

Ashfield District Council
£37,938 - £40,476 per annum (pay award pending)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues and Recovery Team Leader Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Housing Options Officer

Ashfield District Council
£31,067 - £33,366 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of residents in housing need? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Building Services Operative

Ashfield District Council
£25,584 - £27,269 per annum (pay award pending)
The Facilities team are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, £24,397 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner