Dr Wood presented the findings of the research paper Democracy: the missing link in the devolution debate, co-authored with Sarah Lyall (New Economics Foundation) and Dr Daniel Bailey (University of York), to a meeting of local government leaders, chief executives and advisers in Birmingham.
The research has found that an overriding focus on economic growth currently threatens to de-rail devolution by encouraging local governments to promise economic outcomes they could struggle to deliver, outcomes which are not necessarily in the residents’ best interests.
Dr Wood said:
“Devolution has the potential to transform the way we run local government. However, at present too much of the discussion has focused on solely achieving economic growth—with little consideration of the potential of devolution to strengthen democracy, and increase citizen involvement in decision-making.”
“As devolution deals are negotiated in the Midlands and across the country it is vital that policymakers are clear about the change they wish to achieve.”
Professor Matthew Flinders, Director of the Crick Centre, said:
“The Crick Centre’s partnership with the New Economics Foundation has played a leading role in challenging and adding-value to the government’s devolution agenda for England. It’s great to see this research having a real impact beyond the lecture theatre and seminar room.”
Democracy: the missing link in the devolution debate was published in December 2015, following research undertaken by the Crick Centre and the New Economics Foundation, with support from the Professor ADH Crook Public Service Fellowship scheme and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Accelerator Account.
Image courtesy of Tony Hisgett via Flickr
