The UK2070 Commission is “an independent inquiry into the deep-rooted spatial inequalities within the United Kingdom”. The Commission gathered considerable evidence and recently published wide ranging recommendations to help tackle “one of the most regionally imbalanced economies in the industrialised world”.
No one has to agree with each of the recommendations, but everyone should recognise the overwhelming strength of the Commission’s findings and the scale of action that is recommended to deliver a “Large scale and long term approach” to tackling inequality in the UK.
The Commission highlight that in spite of best efforts of previous governments “the gap is growing”. They make the case for “large-scale, comprehensive, long-term and devolved plans of action to deliver change”.
Of course these are not approaches which sit comfortably with the short-termism of much UK politics, exemplified by the current UK Budget cycle. I believe the Commission’s recommendations would require refreshed commitment across the UK, nations and regions to reset the dial. Yet in truth the deliberations, or lack of, four nation deliberations about post-Brexit funding arrangements make me fearful whether this is possible.
The Commission propose a 10 point programme of action some of which Wales could readily grasp based on existing experience. For example:
Delivering a connectivity revolution,
Strengthening the foundations of local economies,
Rethinking the housing crisis,
Harnessing cultural and environmental assets,
Inclusive devolution,
Future skilling
The UK2070 Commission recommends a focus on a National Outcomes Framework with a strengthening of cross government work to oversee delivery.
The Commission is clear. The UK cannot “afford the status quo”. Their report is worth reading and reflecting upon, it might even be worth acting upon.
Read more here: http://uk2070.org.uk/
Make No Little Plans
Acting At Scale For A Fairer and Stronger Future
Dawn Bowden is the Member of the Senedd for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney
