National approach to levelling up is ‘ineffective’

A new CIPFA study has found that polices designed to address regional inequalities are most effective when they are tailored to individual communities' needs, as opposed to a national and centralised approach.

The research, carried out in conjunction with the University of Birmingham, is published today ahead of the British government's highly-anticipated levelling up white paper. It finds that if governments want to reduce inequalities between regions, investment should be diverse and focused on a blend of economic, cultural, business and spatial development.

Looking at case studies from Japan, France, the US and Germany, the report argues that the most successful city-regions are empowered to deliver their own levelling-up policies. All four cities studied recognised that a long-term outlook was needed, backed with significant levels of sustained funding.

Rob Whiteman, CIPFA CEO, said: "This report shows there is no quick fix to addressing inequality. The answers are complex, but what is clear is that a long-term approach is needed coupled with sustained levels of funding. A clearly defined strategy and vision, specific to local issues, are also essential in helping level up communities. The international examples in this report serve as an excellent blueprint for producing innovative, targeted and effective policies – which the UK government can and should apply to its levelling up agenda."