20 August 2004
English devolution is being driven by a small number of organisations and individuals that are 'in the loop', with the rest failing to grasp its potential future impact, research suggests.
The majority of public bodies are doing little to prepare themselves for the advent of elected regional assemblies, even though these will fundamentally change the way they operate.
A study by the New Local Government Network think-tank reveals that most authorities are waiting for ministers to publish the draft Bill stipulating assemblies' powers before considering the implications. Senior public sector managers and politicians interviewed for the study say they are content to 'firefight' the issues as and when they arise.
The report also identifies a widespread feeling that the regionalism agenda is being developed 'behind closed doors', with too little consultation taking place.
'The gap between those in the loop and those out of it is too big. Those who are out of the loop reflect this in their levels of preparation for regional assemblies and their limited influencing role,' it concludes.
Three northern regions were due to have referendums this autumn, but only the Northeast will now go to the polls on November 4. Votes in the Northwest and Yorkshire & Humber were postponed by John Prescott amid fears that they would result in damaging 'no' votes.
Report author Warren Hatter told Public Finance the project lacked dynamism and said the problem stemmed in part from authorities' low expectations. He suggested that they were voluntarily passing up the opportunity to influence the future shape of English regionalism.
'Local authorities have got out of the habit of wanting to drive things and set the agenda,' he said. 'There is a widespread feeling that if they get ERAs they will just deal with it when they need to.'
Hatter warned that this passive approach could generate a 'self-fulfilling prophecy' where councils are left out of the process because they do not engage with it. He said if authorities wanted to take a greater role they would be 'pushing at an open door' and urged officers and members to get to grips with the devolution agenda.
'Credible individuals need to drive the process forward. If there is a “yes” vote in the Northeast, hopefully there will be a groundswell among professionals to take on this role.'
PFaug2004
