Local authorities and economic development in 2013 – can local dynamism counter a national low growth economy?

We are now over five years since the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2007-08 plunged the world (and UK) economy into recession, and just over half way through the five year term of the UK coalition government that began in May 2010. In this period the previously-accepted orthodox local economic development models – international, national and local – have been super-ceded by new agendas and approaches. However, a return to long-run sustainable growth and development seems elusive, and the optimum role and functions of LAs in this process remains ‘work-in-progress’.

A number of LGIU briefings have covered the impact of changes on local government’s economic development policies and practice. For instance, in the last six months of 2012 alone, briefings have addressed Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) [1], city deals [2], the Heseltine ‘No stone unturned...’ report on economic growth [3], the autumn statement [4], and a range of associated topics.

This briefing seeks to build on and pull together this earlier work, to present a coherent framework for LA considerations on economic growth and development as they firm up 2013/14 budgets, business plans, and medium term strategies.

Full briefing follows and is attached for download...