A report brought together a range of contributions to the debate over the future of English regions.
Source: Neil McInroy and Paul Benneworth (eds.), Our Regions, Our Choices, Centre for Local Economic Strategies (0161 236 7036)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary | Press release (Word file)
Date: 2002-Dec
A report highlighted areas of concern over plans for elected regional assemblies in England, including plans to take over powers from local councils in areas such as planning and housing, and proposals to force local government re-organisation in areas where elected regional assemblies are being considered.
Source: Charlie Jeffrey and Adrian Reilly, Devolution to the Regions What does it mean for local government in England?, Local Government Association (020 7664 3000) and County Councils Network
Links: Summary | Press release
Date: 2002-Dec
A review examined what lessons can be learned so far for constructive partnerships between devolved and local authorities. It concluded that, in any future system of regional government, careful synchronisation will be needed of regional-level strategic vision with the expectations of local authorities.
Source: Charlie Jeffery, Devolution: Challenging Local Government?, Foundations 012, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (01904 629241)
Links: JRF Foundations 012
Date: 2002-Nov
A Bill was published, and given a second reading, which would allow referendums to be held on whether regions want to have elected regional assemblies. Local government leaders proposed six tests before regional devolution should proceed.
Source: Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill 2002, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, Debate 26.11.02, columns 188-286, TSO (0870 600 5522) | Press release 13.11.02, Local Government Association (020 7664 3000)
Links: Text of Bill | Hansard | LGA press release
Date: 2002-Nov
A report examined ways in which regional knowledge can contribute to policy making, and how the Government Offices for the Regions can connect policy making with delivery.
Source: Incorporating Regional Perspectives into Policy-making, Cabinet Office (020 7261 8527) and Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2002-Oct
A think-tank pamphlet called for early referendums on the government s proposals for regional assemblies in England; but it called for the proposals to be significantly strengthened, in order to restore the balance of power to the regions.
Source: John Adams and John Tomaney, Restoring the Balance Strengthening the Government s Proposals for Regional Assemblies, Institute for Public Policy Research, available from Central Books (0845 458 9911)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
A new book provided a comprehensive picture of the state of regionalism in England. It examined the background to the 'English Question'; outlined factors leading to regionalisation in England; presented a new region by region analysis of the social, economic and political conditions; and considered the arguments for regional government.
Source: John Mawson and John Tomaney (eds.), England: The State of the Regions, Policy Press, available from Marston Book Services (01235 465500)
Links: Summary
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/1, Digest 121, paragraph 10.4
Date: 2002-Jul
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was separated from the Cabinet Office, and will have responsibility for some cross-cutting issues including regional government, social exclusion and neighbourhood renewal.
Source: Press release 29.5.02, Cabinet Office (020 7261 8527)
Links: Cabinet Office press release
Date: 2002-May
A White Paper proposed directly elected regional assemblies for English regions which want them.
Sources: Your Region, Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions, White Paper Cm 5511, Cabinet Office and Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, 9.5.02, cols. 275-292, TSO
Links: White Paper (pdf) | Hansard
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/1, Digest 121 (paragraph 10.4)
Date: 2002-May