Deal-making in Whitehall: Competing and complementary motives behind the <IT>Review of Sub-national Economic Development and Regeneration</IT>

Sarah Ayres; Ian Stafford

doi:10.1108/09513550910993371

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International Journal of Public Sector Management

ISSN: 0951-3558

Online from: 1988

Subject Area: Industry and Public Sector Management

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

Document Information:
Title:	Deal-making in Whitehall: Competing and complementary motives behind the Review of Sub-national Economic Development and Regeneration
Author(s):	Sarah Ayres, (Bristol University, Bristol, UK), Ian Stafford, (Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK)
Citation:	Sarah Ayres, Ian Stafford, (2009) "Deal-making in Whitehall: Competing and complementary motives behind the Review of Sub-national Economic Development and Regeneration", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 22 Iss: 7, pp.605 - 622
Keywords:	Community relations, Economic development, England, Governance, Partnership, Regional development
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/09513550910993371 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:	This work is funded through the Economic and Social Research Council. Project title: English Regionalism: Rhetoric or Substance? Evaluating Decision Making Procedures for Regional Funding Allocations, Award number RES-061-23-0033. Interviews were conducted with senior Whitehall officials in HM Treasury (HMT), the Departments for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR), Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Health (DoH), Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), Transport (DfT), Work and Pensions (DWP), Home Office (HO) and Regional Coordination Unit (RCU). Interviews lasted approximately one hour, were conducted under Chatham House Rules, digitally recorded, transcribed and manually coded to illicit findings.
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.