In the second publication of our Innovations in Public Policy series, Jack Newman (Research Fellow on the TRUUD project at the University of Bristol) discusses how place-based policy can help the new Labour government achieve its missions.
Labour has pledged to decentralise decision-making alongside delivery of its missions but, as this article explains, tensions may arise if national goals overshadow local autonomy. Health policy exemplifies these tensions, with the government emphasising a need to reform the NHS while also recognising the need to implement more preventative approaches to healthcare. Jack argues that place-based policy can help resolve these tensions, as preventative policies can be implemented more effectively at the local and regional level than nationally. The article identifies four requirements for implementing and improving place-based policy: aligning administrative geographies, improving data and policy capacity, reforming funding and rethinking accountability.
Can place-based prevention deliver on the Government’s health mission?
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