Event summaries, slides and recordings

Levelling Up: Structures for Success at the Local Level

Author WIG Date 24 Aug 2022

A recording of the WIG Webinar 'Levelling Up: Structures for Success at the Local Level' with speakers including Rebecca Cox, Principal Policy Adviser, Local Government Association, Claire Spencer, Senior Policy Adviser - Public Services & Inclusive Growth, West Midlands Combined Authority and Maria Antoniou, Principal Economy and Strategy Manager, Northumberland Tyne & Wear SHA.

Theme(s)

Economic growth and prosperity

The Levelling Up whitepaper published in February put the need to ‘empower local leaders and communities, especially in those places that lack local agency’ as one of its core twelve missions. Devolution at the local level is often cited as a critical ingredient to support economic development. Yet, differing regional and local structures can pose a challenge for collaboration between public, private and not-for-profits, with a risk of overcomplications, and danger of making local structures impenetrable to those looking to support the levelling up goals. So what are the ideal structures at a local level, to support with the levelling up ambition?  

With this question in mind, WIG along with the LGA is looking to:  

  • Explore what the most effective structures are that currently exist at the local level to ‘level up’ in different regions, cities and towns. Where is the ‘best in class’ or does this need to differ from area to area?  
  • Discuss how to ensure these structures work at a local level, while avoiding complex bureaucracies that are unnavigable for those outside that area
  • Understand how local government might like to work closer with central government on developing out these relationships and structures? And what will good look like working with central government departments?
  • Ask what can be done to ensure these new systems effectively work with the private sector to ensure ongoing inward investment?   

Speakers at the Event

Claire Spencer is Interim Head of Research, Intelligence and Inclusive Growth at the West Midlands Combined Authority, developing strategy, policy and delivery for inclusive growth, a model of economic strength which centres social and environmental outcomes, and local power. Claire was previously a local elected representative in Birmingham.

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