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Sarah Ayres & Ian Stafford School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, UK

Sarah Ayres & Ian Stafford School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, UK. The View from Whitehall Regional Studies Association Working Group, 19 th June 2008 http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/regionalism/default.shtml. Introduction.

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Sarah Ayres & Ian Stafford School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, UK

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  1. Sarah Ayres & Ian Stafford School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, UK The View from Whitehall Regional Studies Association Working Group, 19th June 2008 http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/regionalism/default.shtml

  2. Introduction • In July 2007 the Government published its ‘Review of Sub-national economic development & regeneration’ (SNR) • Drawing on interviews with senior Whitehall officials, this paper explores the rationale underpinning the proposals outlined in the SNR & assesses their implications • Research Qs: • What are the shortcomings of the existing regional architecture? • What motivations underpin the Government’s decision to reform regional structures? • What are the implications of the SNR for regional institutions & policies?

  3. Shortcomings of existing regional architecture • Central government agenda continues to dominate regional working • Problems with targetry • Confusion over roles & responsibilities • Assemblies viewed as ineffective • Too many regional strategies • Misalignment RSS & RES • Gap between administrative & economic boundaries • No real success in meeting target to reduce economic disparities • Poor regional evidence base

  4. Sub-national review proposals • RDAs to be responsible for preparing a single ‘regional strategy’ • Assemblies to be abolished by 2010 • Local authorities (LAs) to be given new roles to promote economic development & scrutinise RDAs • Stronger accountability of RDAs to central & local government - Introduction of Regional Ministers • RDAs to delegate funding to LAs & sub-regional partnerships wherever possible • Emphasis on Multi Area Agreements • Simplification of targetry • Drives to link activities of quangos to regional strategies

  5. Implications • Partnerships & goodwill could be threatened • No guarantee that LAs will work together - variable capacities • Whitehall wants prioritisation but can LAs deliver? • Variable spatial scales could enhance complexity • Will RDAs let go of funds & delivery? • Little mention of GOs • Strong emphasis on productivity - social & environmental concerns potentially threatened • Implementation of reforms (purposefully?) woolly • Reforms significant but Whitehall commitment to decentralisation yet to be proved

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