Member Article

More co-ordinated economic development needed, say IPPR

IPPR North are calling for greater co-ordination of economic development powers at a local level, in order to ensure that a return to growth is possible.

The economic think tank have warned that there is an urgent need for a combined effort to deliver local growth, following figures released last week indicating a 23% rise in unemployment in the North and 17% increase in the North Weat.

IPPR research indicates that economic development powers at a local level are controlled by 13 separate institutions - of which only seven involve local authorities.

Ed Cox, Director of IPPR North said:“There needs to be a joint effort to deliver strategies that really work at the local level so we can see unemployment fall in places like the North East and North West which continue to feel the effects of recession in the rising numbers of people unemployed.

“After the rejection of city mayors in the recent referendum, we know that what works in one area isn’t necessarily right elsewhere and there should be flexibility about how powers to deliver economic developed should be devolved to suit different city regions.”

The IPPR are now calling for a reassessment of the numerous partnerships, quangos and agencies operated by central Government, which they believe are ineffective for facilitating growth.

Mr Cox added: “One thing is clear, the current mess left through the abolition of regional bodies is confusing for businesses and investors and is inhibiting economic recovery in the north.”

The analysis appears in a report prepared by IPPR North for the Northern Economic Futures Commission published today. The report argues that there needs to be much greater co-ordination of economic development through combined authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships and ultimately, metro mayors.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .