An article examined the evolution of regional assemblies in England. Each had progressed differently: but all assemblies lacked political legitimacy and resources, and had struggled to mobilize influence in Whitehall and their regions. Although contributing to greater coherence in regional governance, their future was uncertain and there was a need to assess systematically what tasks assemblies should perform, and why, and the resources required for their delivery.
Source: Graham Pearce and Sarah Ayres, 'Emerging patterns of governance in the English regions: the role of regional assemblies', Regional Studies, Volume 41 Number 5
Links: Abstract
Date: 2007-Jul
The new Prime Minister (Gordon Brown MP) appointed a minister with responsibility for each of nine English regions (including one for London). The role of the new ministers would be to act as regional champions within government, and to represent the government in parliamentary debates and other forums on regional issues.
Source: Press release 28 June 2007, 10 Downing Street (020 7270 1234)
Links: Downing Street press release | Regeneration & Renewal report
Date: 2007-Jun
The government responded to a report by a committee of MPs on regional government. It recognized that, in order to maximize cities? contribution to regional and national economic performance, it needed to help them exert influence over the key market drivers operating at their spatial level, including their travel-to-work areas.
Source: Government Response to the Communities and Local Government Committee?s Report on the Future of Regional Government, Cm 7119, Department for Communities and Local Government, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Response | MPs report
Date: 2007-May
A report examined how community strategies were being developed in two-tier authorities, and how they linked in with the regional agenda. Clearer guidance was needed on how community strategies should engage with the regional and supra-regional levels.
Source: Alison Darlow, Sukky Jassi, Janie Percy Smith and Peter Wells, Process Evaluation of Plan Rationalisation: Formative Evaluation of Community Strategies - Report of the May 2006 survey of local authorities on plan rationalisation, Department for Communities and Local Government (0870 1226 236)
Links: Report
Date: 2007-Apr
An article examined the new scrutiny role performed by regional assemblies in England. Regional scrutiny had been limited by a lack of clearly defined powers, inadequate technical support, and an often 'cosy' relationship between assemblies and their regional development agencies. Regional assemblies urgently required appropriate legitimacy, powers, and resources in order to prevent the accountability gap from widening.
Source: Rachel Ashworth, Stephanie Snape and Sundeep Aulakh, 'Plugging the accountability gap? Evaluating the effectiveness of regional scrutiny', Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, Volume 25 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2007-Apr
A report by a committee of MPs said that the government needed to rationalize the role of Government Offices for the Regions; improve the transparency and accountability of Regional Development Agencies; and enhance the effectiveness of Regional Assemblies.
Source: Is There a Future for Regional Government?, Fourth Report (Session 2006-07), HC 352, House of Commons Communities and Local Government Select Committee, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report | LGA press release | ERN press release | Regeneration & Renewal report
Date: 2007-Mar
The final report was published of an evaluation of the roles and impacts of the eight regional assemblies in England outside London. The study identified the collective role and impact of the assemblies, identifying good practice and transferable lessons.
Source: Ove Arup & Partners Ltd, Evaluation of the Role and Impact of Regional Assemblies, Department for Communities and Local Government (0870 1226 236)
Links: Report | Summary | Regeneration & Renewal report
Date: 2007-Mar
A think-tank report said that a regional dimension in public policy was crucial in drawing down powers from Whitehall and giving local government in England a stronger lead over otherwise 'quangoized' responsibilities. It set out a number of options for reform, including the merging of different regional policy strategies, and ministerial regional portfolios to scrutinize the work of regional bodies.
Source: Chris Leslie and Owen Dallison, Redesigning Regionalism: Leadership and accountability in England's regions, New Local Government Network (020 7357 0051)
Links: NLGN press release | FT report | Regeneration & Renewal report
Date: 2007-Mar
An article drew on research conducted in Yorkshire and the Humber to explore the issues and tensions surrounding the integration of regional strategy processes (planning, economic development, housing, sustainable development) across an English region in the context of wider processes of regional devolution.
Source: David Counsell, Trevor Hart, Andrew Jonas and Jane Kettle, 'Fragmented regionalism? Delivering integrated regional strategies in Yorkshire and the Humber', Regional Studies, Volume 41 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2007-Feb