This policy brief argues that capacity-building is essential if English devolution is to reduce rather than deepen spatial inequalities. The authors find that current approaches lack a clear definition of capacity, are not based on local need, blur responsibilities between central and local government, and risk favouring already well-resourced areas. They call for a national capacity-building strategy that defines and measures governance capacity, targets support according to local needs, clarifies responsibilities across government, and prioritises places with the weakest capacity.
“Capacity is the gateway to further devolution in England, yet it is unevenly distributed and poorly defined. Without deliberate action, devolution will widen the gaps between places”
The authors
Download the policy brief and read the underlying academic paper: Building Place-Based Capacity in an Asymmetric System. Policymakers and practitioners are invited to get in touch with the authors to discuss what a national capacity-building strategy for English devolution should look like.
Key findings
1 – Capacity
Capacity is the gateway to further devolution in England, yet it is unevenly distributed and poorly defined. Without deliberate action, devolution will widen the gaps between places.
2 – Four shortcomings for capacity-building
Our analysis of the English devolution agenda finds four shortcomings for capacity-building: no systemic definition of capacity; no needs-based allocation; no clear separation of central and local responsibility; and little attention to spatial inequality.
3 – Development of a national capacity-building strategy
We call on the government to publish a national capacity-building strategy that defines capacity systemically, disaggregates it into types, assesses need place by place, allocates responsibility more explicitly, and is framed first and foremost as an equalisation strategy.
About the author
Dr Charlotte Hoole – Research Fellow at City-REDI, University of Birmingham – LinkedIn profile
Dr Sam Warner – Lecturer in Politics at the University of Bristol – LinkedIn profile
Dr Jack Newman – Lecturer in Politics and Public Administration at the University of Liverpool – LinkedIn profile
Dr Timea Nochta – Associate Professor in Public Governance at the University of Birmingham – LinkedIn profile
Dr Peter Eckersley – Associate Professor in Public Policy and Management at Nottingham Trent University – LinkedIn profile