International Journal of Public Sector Management

Deal-making in Whitehall: Competing and complementary motives behind the Review of Sub-national Economic Development and Regeneration : Table of Contents

Sarah Ayres, Ian Stafford — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore Whitehall motivations underpinning the Sub-national Review of Economic Development and Regeneration. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on interviews conducted with senior Whitehall officials involved in regional working. Findings – The Sub-national Review seeks to streamline regional structures and provide regions with enhanced autonomy. However, findings indicate that there are distinct differences of opinion across Whitehall departments regarding the future trajectory of English regionalism and what powers and functions regional bodies should acquire. These contradictory positions raise questions about the implementation and effectiveness of the proposals. Originality/value – An examination of these phenomena is intended to provide greater clarity regarding the opportunities and constraints presented by the latest phase of regional restructuring.

Governance in the English regions: moving beyond muddling through? : Table of Contents

Graham Pearce, John Mawson — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The objective of this paper is to explore the progress of current reforms to government in the English regions through administrative decentralisation aimed at delivering economic growth and greater accountability. Design/methodology/approach – In addition to government documents the paper is informed by the views of a range of public and non-governmental bodies on key aspects of the reforms, including the preparation of integrated regional strategies, accountability arrangements and institutional capacity. Findings – While holding out the prospect of a more effective approach to regional policy making and delivery, implementation of the reforms carries risks for the delivery of key government policies. There is little evidence that they will assist in reversing disparities in economic growth rates between the English regions or tackle England's ingrained tradition of centralisation. There are also concerns that the prominence given to economic considerations is incompatible with delivering sustainable development. Practical implications – Greater attention needs to be given to the coordination of national policies with a regional dimension and to the sub-national institutional capacity required to both prepare and deliver integrated regional strategies. Originality/value – Drawing on empirical evidence this paper offers insights into the administrative and policy tensions associated with ongoing reforms to sub-national government in England.

Having it both ways: explaining the contradiction in English spatial development policy : Table of Contents

Martin Burch, Alan Harding, James Rees — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to ask how the UK Government can currently hold such incommensurable positions, explicitly and implicitly, in respect of spatial development priorities within England, and suggest a research agenda that might produce a better understanding of such contradictions. Design/methodology/approach – The paper contrasts evidence on the changing spatial economic geography of the UK with data on recent trends in identifiable regional public expenditure. Current spatial development policy is analysed in detail and contrasted with a range of implicit development decisions made by central government in recent years. The paper considers the adequacy of the literature on metropolitan dominance within UK political and economic life in explaining the discrepancies between what government says and does in terms of spatial development. Findings – Significant discrepancies are found between formal spatial development aspirations as expressed in the Public Service Agreement on Regional Economic Performance and the outcomes of actual spatial development decisions, which are likely to widen rather than reduce the gap between regional growth rates. An important part of the explanation for this divergence is the metropolitan dominance of London but further work is needed on how this might better be conceptualised and measured. Practical implications – A number of key lines of enquiry for further research on the future of UK metropolitanism and the sustainability of current policy choices are outlined. Originality/value – This paper makes an original contribution to detailing the disjuncture between formal and implicit spatial development priorities, which will be of value to academics and policy makers.

Integration of economic and spatial planning across scales : Table of Contents

Alan Townsend — Sat Oct 10 08:00:17 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to study a major aspect of the recent Treasury-led Review of Sub-national Economic Development and Regeneration in attempting to integrate work currently performed under the separate economic and spatial strategies through the preparation of single regional strategies. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses several aspects of the existing work of regional development agencies (RDAs) to illustrate where they could be better informed to undertake their anticipated role in regional spatial planning. Findings – The Labour Government has been forced to change its approach to reforms at the sub-national level. In November, 2008 it performed a late compromise in response to the consultation on the Review, in giving equal status to the work of local authorities and RDAs in writing single regional strategies. This is welcomed, as is a strengthening of the scope of sub-regional governance. Nonetheless the reforms do little to address the socio-economic disparities between regions. Practical implications – The paper informs approaches to the preparation of single regional strategies and highlights the need to give greater attention to the links between policy making and delivery at national, regional and local scales. Originality/value – The paper draws on the perspectives of a senior academic who has also worked both as a civil service research officer in regional economic planning and as a member of local, district and county committees in local governance. This experience suggests that the Government's approach to reform was informed by an agenda that was too biased towards economic and too little to environmental and social priorities.