The future of local economic growth

December 2, 2011

The task facing local economies in the coming years and beyond is significant. Achieving strong and sustainable growth will not be easy. The economic outlook for the Eurozone and the UK economy is still testing, and budget cuts are putting a strain on councils’ resources and capacity.

Local areas are expected to play a critical role in stimulating growth going forward. With Government plans to devolve fund-raising powers, such as the retention of business rate growth, councils are expected to have the financial incentives to do so. On top of that, newly created local enterprise partnerships – including councils, business representatives and other partners – have been tasked with oversight of economic development across local authority boundaries. Ultimately, it is on the front-line that economic leadership must be provided – drawing on businesses and councils’ local knowledge, responsiveness and democratic mandate. This represents a radical shift in the way that local authorities have traditionally conceived local economic growth.

The research encompasses a review and assessment of the policy landscape and general changes introduced so far to devolve power to local areas relevant to the growth agenda, including financial powers. It will then be split into two main strands, exploring the governance arrangements under two policy areas critical to support growth in business investment –skills and infrastructure delivery, respectively. The research will be assisted by an expert advisory group of key economic development professionals to help ensure the rigour and practical applicability of the recommendations.

Listed below are the advisory group members:

Chris Bull, Chief Executive, Herefordshire County Council
Dr. Paul Blantern, Chief Executive, Northamptonshire County Council
Rajmund Brent, County Council
Bridget Taylor, Director of Strategy and Engagement, BT Global Services
Baron Frankal, Director of Research and Strategy, New Economy Manchester
Dr. Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs, British Chambers of Commerce
Andrew Lewis , Director of Policy, Strategy & Communications, Newcastle City Council
Damian Walne, Department for Communities & Local Government
Nick Bell, Chief Executive, Staffordshire County Council
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire County Council
Suzanne Bond , Cornwall Development Company
Kim Ryley, Chief Executive, Shropshire Council

Supported by BT and Kent County Council


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