The Great Divide: will localism improve or worsen the gap between North and South?
Author: Localis, Labour Conference 2012 |
Localis hosted an engaging fringe event at the Labour Party Conference on Monday 1 October entitled ‘The Great Divide: will localism improve or worsen the gap between North and South?’
Our speakers debated the prosperity gap between the North and South, making the case for putting localism at the heart of future government policy. They included:
Chris Williamson MP, Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government
Clive Betts MP, Chairman of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee
Lord Peter Smith, Chairman of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Leader of Wigan Council
Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council
Chair: Steven Howell, Localis
Discussion topics ranged from the role of local government, to new powers and further devolution. Highlights included:
- Chris Williamson MP arguing that local government is well placed to challenge the north-south divide, but needed the tools to do it.
- Clive Betts MP speaking about local government finance and the need for further devolution.
- Lord Peter Smith explaining about Manchester’s approach to growth and innovation, for example through the ongoing community budgets pilot.
- Councillor Sir Albert Bore speaking about the need for further devolution, highlighting examples from Europe as a good way to do it.