growth coalitions’ "a body of representatives drawn together for the purpose of achieving a series of mutual objectives

driven by the vision of a growing, successful, local economy where serious disadvantage is alleviated”

and ‘smart local government’

new regimes for regeneration and public services in the context of the future of local government

For five years, ‘growth coalitions’ ("a body of representatives drawn together for the purpose of achieving a series of mutual objectives driven by the vision of a growing, successful, local economy where serious disadvantage is alleviated”) have provided a partnership-based and outcome focussed funding and delivery model.  This concentrates on local growth, addressing education and skills, a good environment, health, community cohesion, and infrastructure, on the basis that what’s good for the well-being of local communities is good for business.  Proposals have addressed the need to develop strong, “outcome-focussed” local strategic partnerships, where “special” regeneration/well-being funding sources are “pooled” into a “single-pot”. This strongly encourages “joined-up” working, incorporating relevant activity of the PCT, police and other agencies. The project is based on, and would enhance, community governance while developing a mechanism for incentivising contributions from a range of local partners (especially in the private sector). Enhanced outcomes derive from local growth, driven by the improved organisation and delivery of local public services.

The ‘growth coalitions’ concept has developed after rounds of consultation with senior figures in Downing Street, HM Treasury and ODPM. Similar discussion has taken place with key individuals at the LGA, Innovation Forum, Audit Commission and New Local Government Net-work. The project has informed the Lyons Review, the Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration, the development of Local Area Agreements, the Number 10 Strategy Unit’s outcomes review of programmes for people living in deprived areas which details measures to be implemented by Government to strengthen local economies and improve public service delivery, the work of the Innovation Forum, Local Public Service Boards, and others.

The concept of ‘smart local government’ has been developed alongside the ‘growth coalitions’ project as an objective of government’s ten year vision for localities. ‘Growth coalitions’ are a vehicle for providing an over-arching, strategic agenda.  Through this, local councils and their partners can address and work towards the scenario presented by ODPM’s the future of local government.

“Enterprise development alone cannot successfully develop local economies and regenerate local communities, but must take place as part of a wider sustainable community strategy and set of interventions on, for example, health, education, crime and housing. Local areas therefore need to develop – as part of the local sustainable community strategy – a comprehensive and integrated strategy that combines efforts on enterprise development with wider efforts on neighbourhood renewal. The introduction of Local Area Agreements provides a new way of ensuring funding supports this integrated approach.” 'Enterprise and Economic Opportunity in Deprived Areas', HMT, SBS & ODPM, March 2005, Para 2.31, pg. 18