ECONOMIC GROWTH

Local government 'over-centralised'

Local government is over-centralised, inefficient and under-resourced, a new report has said.

Local government is over-centralised, inefficient and under-resourced, a new report has said.

The study from the think-tanks Centre for Cities and Resolution Foundation argued local government struggles to deliver positive change because councils and combined authorities do not have the necessary powers and funding to effectively manage their local economies.

Between 2015 and 2019, British local government spending per person only increased by 2% while spending increased by 21% in France, 23% in Spain, and 25% in Germany.

Centre for Cities chief executive Andrew Carter said: ‘Britain's unusual level of centralisation is a weakness - not a strength.

'It means subnational government is incapable of delivering the changes that they and the national economy require.

‘Making small gradual improvements to fix our broken system of local government – as Whitehall has been doing in recent years – is not going to be enough to help us escape our stagnant economy by 2030.

‘Big challenges require big responses and central Government must now deliver reforms that devolve fiscal powers and give local authorities the resources to effectively level up their areas and encourage growth across the UK.'

ECONOMIC GROWTH

The new health duty on strategic authorities: getting it right

By Tom Lloyd Goodwin | 27 June 2025

If designed and implemented effectively, the new health duty on strategic authorities could play a crucial role in advancing health equity alongside economic...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

More than a service

By Louise Hayes | 27 June 2025

As Shared Lives week comes to a close, Louise Hayes explains how the scheme is transforming social care in Surrey.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

The secret ingredient is community crowdfunding

By Frank Kibble | 27 June 2025

In London Climate Action Week, Frank Kibble explains how everyday climate activism is being being funded by communities - with support from their council.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

With opportunity comes great responsibility

By Laura Murphy | 27 June 2025

Laura Murphy and Andrew Stilwell look at the importance of strong, collaborative leadership as organisations navigate through this new era of digital transfo...

Popular articles by William Eichler