1. Exploring the trajectory of English regionalism
In July 2007 the Government published its ‘Review of sub-national economic development & regeneration’ (SNR)
This paper explores the rationale underpinning the proposals outlined in the SNR & assesses their implications for the future of English regionalism
Research Qs:
What are the perceived shortcomings of the existing regional architecture?
What motivations underpin the Government’s decision to reform regional structures?
What are the implications of the SNR for regional institutions & policies?

2. Existing regional architecture
Since the 1990s the regional tier has been ‘beefed up’
‘Integrated’ Government Regional Offices
Regional Development Agencies & unelected assemblies
Regional Executive Agencies & Quangos
Improving stakeholder representation
2004 failed referendum on elected regional government halted the Government’s regional experiment
Status of the regions rivalled - City regions, New Localism, Northern Way
HM Treasury announced review of sub-national government in 2006 Budget

3. Shortcomings of existing regional architecture
Central government agenda continues to dominate regional working
Problems with targetry
Confusion over roles & responsibilities
Assemblies viewed as ineffective
Too many regional strategies
Misalignment RSS & RES
Gap between administrative & economic boundaries
No real success in meeting target to reduce economic disparities
Poor regional evidence base

4. Government aspirations
Respond to globalisation - ‘new regionalist’ perspective still a driver for change
Reduce economic disparities
Devolve further responsibilities to sub-national tiers
Address the democratic deficit
Simplify structures
Streamline decision making

5. Sub-national review proposals
RDAs to be responsible for preparing a single ‘regional strategy’
Assemblies to be abolished by 2010
Local authorities (LAs) to be given new roles to promote economic development & scrutinise RDAs
Stronger accountability of RDAs to central & local government - Introduction of Regional Ministers
RDAs to delegate funding to LAs & sub-regional partnerships wherever possible
Emphasis on Multi Area Agreements
Simplification of targetry
Drives to link activities of quangos to regional strategies

6. Conclusions Partnerships & goodwill could be threatened
No guarantee that LAs will work together - variable capacities
Whitehall wants prioritisation but can LAs deliver?
Variable spatial scales could enhance complexity
Will RDAs let go of funds & delivery?
Little mention of GOs
Strong emphasis on productivity - social & environmental concerns potentially threatened
Implementation of reforms (purposefully?) woolly
Reforms significant but Whitehall commitment to decentralisation yet to be proved