For too long, we have either turned a blind eye to poverty and disadvantage or hoped that a general rising tide of economic wealth would trickle down. It’s time to reboot prevailing local economic policy – argues Neil McInroy – which is failing the poorest in society. The vote to leave the EU has opened […]
Patience is a virtue on the road to Devo
Leeds was once lauded as an innovator in respect of city-regional governance. But, argues Iain Deas, while recent accounts have emphasised local disagreement about the geography of devolution deals, it is possible to interpret Yorkshire’s experience in a more positive light. Recent media coverage of devolution deals in Yorkshire has highlighted conflict around rival proposals […]
Democracy and devolution: an agenda for the Greater Manchester mayor
There are democratic gains to be made from the election of a Greater Manchester mayor, argues Francesca Gains – but only if the right checks and balances are built in. On 5 May vast swathes of the country will go to the polls. Voters will elect a new mayor and assembly members in Greater London, […]
Why I’m unconvinced by Cameron localism and DevoManc chatter
DevoManc’s control of health is at the centre of the government’s localism policy – but the policy is a sham, argues David Walker. Lack of attention Since the ‘historic day’ a year ago when the health secretary stood alongside the chancellor in signing the Greater Manchester health devolution deal, Jeremy Hunt has not – it’s fair to […]
Framing DevoManc
Just how good a deal is DevoManc? David Walker expresses scepticism. Here are two ways of framing DevoManc. The first is (somewhat breathless) localist enthusiasm. A principal city-region is being offered new power to shape spending and services in health and social care, infrastructure and transport. As important as substance is the theatre: a group […]