Press Story

The briefing paper released today (Tuesday 4 May) argues there are three important areas for government action to enable the North to reach its potential:

Employment and economic development;
Reinvigorating the local state; and
Building capable communities.

ippr north concludes that despite an apparent cross-party consensus on the importance of localism, there is very little to suggest that any of the parties will radically reverse the last 20 years of creeping centralisation.

The report takes the view that regionally and locally sensitive policy-making is required. It highlights evidence of significant regional and local inequality and considers how each party's proposals could help to narrow the gap.

The purpose of the paper is not to establish which manifesto - or political party - is best for the North of England. Rather, it is to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each and the possible implications for the three northern regions.

Ed Cox, director of ippr north said:

"It is time to break the cycle which leaves Northern regions at the top of league tables you do not want to top, and bottom of those you do whether for education, health, employment or the region's economy. The recession has not helped: existing social and economic disparities between the Northern regions and the rest of England have sharpened and widened and the North has suffered disproportionately.

"The next government must address the very real needs within the three northern regions of England. At ippr north we will continue to stimulate debate dialogue and discussion to highlight regional views on how to tackle these."

Notes for editors

'Election Unplugged: Reflections from a northern perspective on the party manifestos' by Ed Cox, Clare McNeil and Katie Schmuecker is available to download at www.ippr.org/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=747
ippr north is holding an 'election unplugged' breakfast event in each of the three northern regions after the election. The events will assess the implications of the general and local elections for the north, and give regional stakeholders their first opportunity to discuss and debate with leading political figures and commentators the likely plans of the new government and their impact on key policy areas.

Contact

For further information please contact Katie Schmuecker, senior research fellow, ippr north: 0191 2339052 / 07709 426065