Regional economic disparities are growing, according to a think-tank report. It said that, on current trends, income per head in the north east will be only half the United Kingdom average by 2020. It argued that full employment in the regions is the key to solving regional economic differences.
Source: John Adams and Peter Robinson, A New Regional Policy for the UK: Interim Report, Institute for Public Policy Research (020 7470 6100)
Links: Report (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Dec
Making our major regional cities more competitive internationally would add significantly to national economic growth potential, according to an interim report.
Source: Cities, Regions and Competitiveness: Interim report from a Working Group representing Government Departments, London/Regional Development Agencies and the English Core Cities, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (020 7944 6068)
Links: Report | Press release
Date: 2002-Nov
Muddle and complexity are dogging local delivery of central policy on skills and local economic development, an official report concluded.
Source: Local Delivery of Central Policy, Better Regulation Task Force/Cabinet Office (020 7276 2142)
Links: Report (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Jul