Local economies
Centre has 'poor understanding' of what works on local growth, says NAO expert
A large proportion of Government spending is ‘not robustly evaluated’ and there is poor understanding by the centre about the approaches to local economic growth that work best, an expert from the National Audit Office has said.
Government must back up claim that UKSPF provides real terms match
If the Government is sure the UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides a real terms match for every LEP area, then they should release the comparative data that backs up their argument, says Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton.
Actions speak louder than words
Ross Mudie and Annabel Smith argue that plunging yet more people into hardship will lead to a rise in deprivation within the places most in need of levelling up – and make achieving several of the Government’s levelling up missions unfeasible.
We need more joined-up working between local and central Government
'Nutrient neutrality' regulations are well-meaning but the need to reduce our impact on the environment is best achieved through long-term planning, says Sheila Oxtoby.
Telling London’s story
There are votes to be had from ‘bashing the city’ and the story that levelling up has to mean taking resources away from London needs to be challenged. Ann McGauran reports from a panel discussion.
A deep dive into levelling up
A new research programme is developing a prototype for levelling up rooted in the local through a series of focused studies of communities. Adam Hawksbee reports from the first visits to Oldham and Walsall.
Shared Prosperity Fund shortfall leaves a gaping hole at the heart of levelling up
The Shared Prosperity Fund allocations present a bleak picture, and represent serious cuts, but the concerns don’t end at the lack of money, says Henri Murison.
Rhythms and rhetoric do not a devolution make
There is still a long way to go before the Johnson Government’s devolution rhetoric feels like a reality, says Heather Jameson
Funding decision signals 'waning influence' of LEPs
The Government’s decision to slash funding for growth hubs and local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) confirms combined authorities will increasingly lead economic development, a former LEP chair has suggested.
Dundee: the UK’s best-kept life sciences secret
Dundee is mapping out the young and dynamic city’s economic revival through its approach towards the development of life sciences, says Cllr John Alexander.
Start-up ends high street service
A start-up that invited councils to create ‘virtual high streets’ allowing residents to order from local businesses has ended the service.
Levelling up plans will fail, IfG report claims
The Government’s plans for levelling up will not cut regional inequality, a report from the influential Institute for Government (IfG) has claimed.
Saucy food bank staple
As the country braces itself for the cost of living crisis, local government once again is set to step up to protect the most vulnerable.
A critical time to secure funding – but help is at hand
There is willingness to rationalise the number of funding pots, but no sign of Government giving up on the competitive process. Local Partnerships is working with councils to help them prioritise and assess investment wishlists, says Martin Forbes.
How ‘levelling up’ got left out of the Spring Statement
The chancellor mentioned the ‘levelling up’ agenda just once in his Spring Statement. Without serious financial backing, the missions in the White Paper are at risk of remaining unfulfilled, says chair of SIGOMA Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton.
Future Forum North: Link is ‘very likely’ between leaders’ attributes and levelling up success
A link is ‘very likely’ between key behavioural attributes of local government leaders and their success in pursuing the levelling up agenda, says an executive search expert.
Kindred aids Liverpool’s recovery
Kindred is a radical venture in Liverpool City Region that puts the socially-trading sector at the heart of recovery from the pandemic, says Steve Rotheram.
Unlocking the East of England’s potential
Closing the GDP gap between the East and other UK regions could add an extra £31.2bn to the national economy each year says James Palmer. But nagging problems that are stifling growth must be solved to achieve these benefits.
Districts call to work with counties on devolution
Districts have issued a call to work alongside counties in devolution.
Council demands assurances following P&O sackings
Thurrock BC’s cabinet held an emergency meeting at the weekend after 800 ferry workers lost their jobs.
