Just as there is recent recognition nationally that the ‘trickle-down’ theory doesn’t work, similarly the equally antiquated and unsuccessful growth pole model for national economic development is flawed. The Government’s plans for devolution address metropolitan areas, not the whole of the UK PLC.

Studies commissioned by the Treasury in the early noughties under the banner of ‘Productivity in the UK’ pointed to the need to make all areas and geographies work for all people to promote productivity and well-being.

The Government’s devolution plans – devolving centralised activities around skills, transport, health and welfare to regional coordinating bodies of individual local authorities just promotes greater complexity and further managerialism.

This draws the focus away from addressing the greatest needs at local level by making local services work for local people and harnessing the growth potential for all areas and members of the population.