Governance in the English regions: moving beyond muddling through?

摘要

Purpose - The objective of this paper is to explore the progress of current reforms to government inrnthe English regions through administrative decentralisation aimed at delivering economic growth andrngreater accountability.rnDesign/methodology/approach - In addition to government documents the paper is informed byrnthe views of a range of public and non-governmental bodies on key aspects of the reforms, including thernpreparation of integrated regional strategies, accountability arrangements and institutional capacity.rnFindings - While holding out the prospect of a more effective approach to regional policy makingrnand delivery, implementation of the reforms carries risks for the delivery of key government policies.rnThere is little evidence that they will assist in reversing disparities in economic growth rates betweenrnthe English regions or tackle England's ingrained tradition of centralisation. There are also concernsrnthat the prominence given to economic considerations is incompatible with delivering sustainablerndevelopment.rnPractical implications - Greater attention needs to be given to the coordination of national policiesrnwith a regional dimension and to the sub-national institutional capacity required to both prepare aridrndeliver integrated regional strategies.rnOriginality/value - Drawing on empirical evidence this paper offers insights into the administrativernand policy tensions associated with ongoing reforms to sub-national government in England.