Levelling Up: Structures for Success at the Local Level
With speakers including Rebecca Cox, Principal Policy Adviser, Local Government Association, Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive, North of Tyne Combined Authority and Claire Spencer, Senior Policy Adviser - Public Services & Inclusive Growth, West Midlands Combined Authority
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?
He was formerly a director at the West Midlands Combined Authority, responsible for its work on inclusive growth, public service reform, climate change and digital.
Previous to this he was chief executive of Collaborate CIC and held roles in UK public policy and international development.
He is a member of NESTA’s Government Innovation Board, and between 2013-18 was a fellow of the UNDP Global Centre for Public Service Excellence.
He is an Ex Officio member of the Inclusive Economy Board, as well as a member of the NTCA Growth Fund Panel.
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.