News analysis – Brown scores points for going deeper into devolution

News analysis – Brown scores points for going deeper into devolution (PF 27/7/07)

Discussion of proposals for new powers for local authorities to take control of economic development and regeneration. RDAs to create regional strategies, but accountable to local authorities.

Creating regional strategy through several LAs and an RDA is obviously going to introduce lots of organisational politics and co-production.

Changing places, by Peter Hetherington

Changing places, by Peter Hetherington (PF 31/8/07)

RDAs were set up with the intention of reducing the economic gap between north and south, but instead it has widened. RDAs are now to become executive bodies, while councils, working together via MAAs, will make the strategic decisions. So there will be more imposed strategy for RDAs but less for councils. Further powers will be devolved from central gov. e.g. transport coordination.

Eg Manchester road pricing scheme, linked to extension of tram system.