The Politics of 'Integrated' Local Policy in England

Abstract

From its inception in the early 1970s, local economic policy has shifted, albeit in complex and locally speci c ways, through a variety of distinctive periods. One critical aspect of change has been the developing relation of 'economic' and 'social' policy spheres which are becoming less distinct, or even directly integrated. In this paper, we examine the emergence of ostensibly 'integrated' local economic and social strategies in two English metropolitan districts-Sandwell and Rotherham-which were at the forefront of policy development in the mid 1990s. In developing this analysis, we locate the roots of integrated policy in the changing ideological foundations of the relationship between economic and social policy under 'late Thatcherism' and 'New Labour', and in reactions to the shortcomings of previous Thatcherite urban policies. However, the process of integrated strategy-making is critically mediated by pre-existing institutional and political forms in localities, producing distinctive institutional responses and policy processes which in turn suggest the limits of policy integration in contemporary local governance.

Conjuncture or disjuncture? An institutionalist analysis of local regeneration partnerships in the UK

“…Skepticism about the institutionalization of new patterns of governance is shared widely. Mayer (1995), for example, discussing entrepreneurial governance, questions whether ‗social and political conflict will permit the actual establishment of these new institutional arrangements' (cited in Valler andBetteley, 2001: 2398). Pierre and Stoker (2002: 44) note that UK governing institutions are in a state of flux, with several outcomes possible.…”

Integrating planning in a devolved Scotland

“…Organisation cultures may also prove to be an impediment to greater integrative working-both internally and externally-particularly where strong management hierarchies exist (Stewart et al, 2000). Progress on such new initiatives that does exist can often be because of the resources that follow rather than any real commitment (Valler & Betteley, 2001, p. 2410.…”

“…(Valler & Betteley, 2001, p. 2398 While the moves towards greater policy and institutional integration have largely operated at a national (UK) level, this paper is concerned with the experience in Scotland. While the extent of policy divergence post-devolution is still being assessed, most notably through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)'s Devolution Programme, it is largely agreed that devolution has led to both divergence and convergence in policy agendas.…”

“…In relation to shifts towards integrated social and economic development, for example, Valler & Betteley (2001) identify three broad influences. The first is the reaction to the ineffectiveness of New Right market-led approaches to urban regeneration and economic regeneration.…”

“…Urban and rural planning has inevitably been caught up in these changes Philip Allmendinger (Deas & Ward, 1999;Mawson & Hall, 2000;Valler & Betteley, 2001;Counsell et al, 2003). While policy areas such as heath, education and social work may seem more obvious mechanisms through which to tackle high-priority issues such as poverty and disadvantage, there is also the need "to address the ways that inequalities play out at an area level" (Goodlad, 2001, p. 3).…”