Give LEPs powers over transport and training, says think tank

A NEW study by the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) suggested that targeted initiatives involving community representatives can make a significant difference in tackling the North’s high rates of unemployment.

The study, undertaken in conjunction with The Northern Way and the Joseph Rowntree Foundations, looked at initiatives around Liverpool, Leeds and the Middlesbrough areas and found that those which involved local people collaborating with economic agencies led to above-average improvements in economic conditions.

The report, Rebalancing Local Economies, also found that while economic growth,investment and increasing people’s ability to work are vital, if deprived neighbourhoods are to improve they need to develop a positive community outlook and a sense of aspiration.

The IPPR is calling on the Coalition Government to give Local Enterprise Partnerships control over areas such as housing, transport and welfare-to-work programmes (as is already the case in London) to ensure they can

It also argued that its ”Big Society’ agenda can only work if community groups and neighbourhood officers are properly involved, which will take spending on resources to support community groups.

For instance, it pointed to investments made in the Speke and Croxteth areas of Liverpool. It argued that despite “remarkable” investment in the former, including the development of Liverpool John Lennon airport, Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant and scores of new business and retail parks being set up, levels of deprivation actually increased.

Residents spoke of the area having an “island mentality” which made it difficult for them to benefit from the opportunities created.

However, nearby Croxteth has benefited from “significant improvements” in local people’s living conditions despite its negative reputation and lower levels of investment.

“Economic growth has improved poor people’s lives in Northern cities,” he said. “But even when the investment has gone in and the jobs are there, not everyone benefits. Some neighbourhoods get left behind.

“People need to be able to connect to the new opportunities and our research shows not all can. What is needed is support to give people the confidence and the aspiration to seize the chances on offer – this must be at the heart of what Big Society is about.”