S2E4: Lessons for local economic development policy from the previous Labour government (1997-2010)

The previous UK Labour government that was in power between 1997 and 2010 was very active in local and regional economic development and regeneration. I could write a book and talk for hours about the main lessons (as well as mistakes) from this for the next Labour government that's likely to be in power on July 05, 2024 - but I managed to get it down to a 5-minute video (!) The link is below. If you have questions about this period, just add them in the comments below. I worked in several regional development agencies and Whitehall think tanks. A quick written summary of the video is also provided below. PS - if you are watching on a mobile device - there's more mobile friendly videos at the youtube shorts site .

So what what can we learn from the last Labour government between 1997 and 2010?

I worked in several regional development agencies. Over this period, I worked in Scottish Enterprise, London Development Agency and the East of England development agency. I also worked in the think tank, the Centre for Cities.

Personally, I found RDAs full of motivated and professional people. Many of these people had 10 to 20 and more years experience because the functions and staff of regional government offices as well as other organisations such as Training and Enterprise Councils were folded into RDAs. They could be entrepreneurial, but they had to abide by government processes, especially with regards to funding and funding approvals. For me, regional local economic development became a serious and well-resourced business.

I knew I could do great work for RDAs. We held some great debates and helped inform and build knowledge, develop communities of practice, and work collaboratively with other RDAs. We fought for resources and the best solutions for our regions.

We were committed to evidence-based policy. I worked in a unit and led a unit where we delivered significant research and insights to help inform priorities and practice. And I liked the focus that RDA has had on delivery and results.

I found it hard to believe that the next government in 2011 was perfectly willing to erase 25 or more years of experience and expertise that went into RDAs, but there we go. The policy of scorched earth reigned, rather than a more careful policy of reflection, evolution and improvement.

So what are the lessons for the next Labour government from its previous term in office?

I think having clear goals and missions is important. Being open about who delivers and how is also critical, because most of the delivery won't be Whitehall departments or civil servants. Delivery is likely to be in the hands of local government and their contracted providers and the third sector.

The next Labour government needs to listen - to cities, localities, as well as the experts in and outside of Whitehall. Personally, I don't think that the Labour government was very good at listening in its last term in office.

Co-production is essential. We will need all government departments, local government organisations, and business groups on board and pointed in the same direction.

There is a need to evaluate and review policies from the start. The next government can't do this at the end of the term of government, because the narrative will likely be shaped by the opposition, as it was by 2009.

People need to see and feel the benefits of regional and local economic policies, whether these people are in local government or in local communities or businesses.

There will need to be capable, competent, and energetic people who want to get things done in local and regional economic development.

There will need to be a delivery first attitude where it's all about delivering results. Let's not get caught up in esoteric debates about functional geographies, administrative boundaries, or complaints that public funding is too bureaucratic. As someone that has worked on private sector real estate deals and loans - there is so much bureaucracy, due diligence and legal work involved it makes applying for a government grant a cinch.

The Labour government needs to make a long-term commitment to local and regional economic growth and development, but it also needs to adopt short-term tactics. It will take decades to address the local and regional economic disparities in the UK. So we need short term and medium term wins to keep momentum and commitment going too.

Lessons for devolution in England

Finally, I think the lessons for devolution in England for an increase in local powers and control over economic development activities is that even if you have more powers and resources, you still need to have great ideas and delivery.

What do you do with these new powers and resources? You need great energetic people who are experienced and knowledgeable, and can deliver. These people need to be curious - the kinds of people who search out the best solutions localities. You need long-term capacity and capability, but you also need to win hearts in the short term.

Devolution is an enabler. It's what you do with it that counts.

If you want to browse the videos currently released

Click here to view the youtube podcast site . Or click on the podcast menu item above to access the videos. Videos will be released over the next few months (June-September 2024). There is also a mobile phone friendly version on the youtube shorts site .

I help build great economic development organisastions

Glenn Athey is a leading economic development and regeneration professional and senior executive with a 30-year track record of successful leadership, delivery, networks, and practical knowledge acquired working in senior roles in government agencies, partnership organisations and UK think tanks.

Glenn helps local leaders translate their economic ambitions into winning advocacy and solutions that get funded.

Get in touch via LinkedIn messaging or the contact form on the website .