Economic Development
As England’s regional development agencies close their doors for the last time, is it time to shift our focus away from regional inequalities and the north/south divide and towards an equitable vision for all places in the UK? Clare Goff reports
When the regional development agencies opened their doors in 1998, England was a polarised country. GDP levels in London and in the southeast were the highest in the country – at £16,200 per head and £14,500 per head – while in the north-east of England GDP stood at £9,800 per head (ONS). The gap between unemployment rates in the north and south in 1999 was over 3.5%.
Wave a magic wand and conjure up a vision of a thriving community. What do you see? Here’s my punt. People walking with a confident spring in their step, new ambition is in the air, there’s a palpable hunger for learning, opportunities are visible and reachable, people are connected with each other, feel valued and have an articulate voice in shaping their community. People value their own lives and the lives of those around them. Environments will reflect this newfound confidence with more colour, greenery, uplifting signage and attractive and welcoming communal spaces. Each neighbourhood will display its uniqueness and heritage.
