Andrew Adonis's report on how to build a fairer economy and restore meaningful politics nationally and locally, was generally welcomed when it was published yesterday. It certainly attracted very favourable comments at our Branch meeting last night.
Andrew identifies the problem:
- Big strengths and big weaknesses characterise the UK economy. We have world class universities and centres of research, and many of the world’s largest firms. Inward investment is high. London is a preeminent global city. Yet growth is unbalanced. The link between growth and living standards has been broken, exports are weak, young people widely lack the opportunities they deserve and inequality is vast, both between people and between regions.
- The report argues that government needs to become smarter and more entrepreneurial, nationally and locally. Working in intense collaboration with leaders across education, business, science and public services, it needs to facilitate innovation by promoting higher rates of business and export growth.
- The report recommends giving city and county regions the powers they require to promote growth. Local Enterprise Partnerships – as the regional voice of business – need to be significantly improved. In partnership with local authorities at the city and county regional level, they should then be empowered with larger devolved budgets to promote better skills, infrastructure and economic development, in return for credible growth plans.
Download your copy of MENDING THE FRACTURED STATE by clicking here.
