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

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner