The devolution deception in the Queen’s Speech

Ministers claim that the proposed City and Local Government Devolution Bill will decentralise power within England. Here, Robin Hambleton explains how the Bill will actually result in a remarkable centralisation of power

The international leadership agenda for councils

Written at the invitation of the editor of Local Government Chronicle (LGC), this short article outlines three overlapping reasons why city and regional leaders are becoming increasingly active in international, place-to-place networking learning and exchange: 1) International lesson drawing, 2) International relationship building, and 3) Enhancing place-based power

Inclusive place-based leadership: Lesson-drawing from urban governance innovations in Bristol, UK

Across the world progressive city leaders are working to limit the damaging impact of decisions made by place-less leaders, meaning powerful interests that are unconcerned about the consequences of their decisions for particular places and communities. This article outlines a new way of thinking about place-based leadership and reports on the steps being taken by Mayor Marvin Rees and other civic leaders in Bristol, UK to test out this model in practice

Place-based Leadership in a Global Era

This article examines the major challenges now facing local governments across the world and advocates the development of a new focus on place-based leadership for local government scholarship and practice. The challenges facing local authorities are many, but they can be summarised in two words: globalisation and urbanisation. In response to these we have witnessed, in many countries, a shift from ‘local government’ to ‘local governance’. This shift is discussed, and it is suggested that new models of partnership working could, if handled in the wrong way, undermine local democracy. To combat this danger it is essential to give civic leadership far more attention – in the worlds of both academe and practice. A new way of conceptualising place-based leadership – one that identifies three ‘realms of civic leadership’ – is put forward. This model emphasises the role of civic leadership in shaping emotions and supporting public service innovation. To illustrate the argument an example of highly respected place-based leadership is presented. Freiburg, Germany is recognised as a very successful eco-city and the leadership model is used to help explain why. The article concludes with some reflections and pointers for research and policy. It is suggested that new forms of ‘engaged scholarship’ – approaches that bring together academics and practitioners to co-produce new knowledge about place-based leadership in an international, comparative perspective – should be encouraged

Governing England: Why not widen our horizons?

This short article provides a critique of the Conservative Government's approach to devolution in England and, by drawing on recent comparative research on sub-national governance in other countries, suggests ways of strengthening the power of place in England

Place-based collaboration: Leadership for a changing world

Place-less power, meaning the exercise of power by decision makers who are unconcerned about the impact of their decisions on communities living in particular places, has grown significantly in the last thirty years. A consequence is that societies are becoming more unequal. Even in the wealthy global cities modern capitalism is increasing inequality at a formidable rate. In a new book, Leading the Inclusive City (Policy Press), the author provides an international, comparative analysis of the efforts being made by place-based leaders to create inclusive, sustainable cities. This article draws on the evidence presented in the book to suggest that place-based leaders can play a significant role in advancing social justice, promoting care for the environment and bolstering community empowerment. An opening section introduces the idea of place-based power – it provides a context for the subsequent discussion. A second section sets out a new way of conceptualising the roles of place-based leaders in any given context, a framework described as The New Civic Leadership. This distinguishes five different realms of civic leadership. The third section provides an example of place-based leadership in action. It outlines the way local leadership has brought about a remarkable transformation of the central area of Melbourne, Australia. A final section presents a comparative discussion of three themes relating to place-based leadership and local collaboration: 1) The changing possibilities for place-based leadership in our rapidly globalising world; 2) The need for outward-facing local government leadership given the changing nature of public policy challenges; and 3) The role of place-based leadership in bringing about radical public innovation

The super-centralisation of the English state - Why we need to move beyond the devolution deception

In a stream of high profile announcements the UK central government has said that it wants to devolve power to sub-regions within England – to city regions and across the country. This article presents evidence to show that the actual intent of government policy is the reverse. Instead of promoting the creation of powerful, independent sub-regional authorities, answerable to the citizens who elected them, the government is seeking to impose a super-centralised model of decision-making in which locally elected politicians are required to comply with central directives. By drawing on work with city region leaders in England the article develops criteria for assessing sub-regional governance. Inspirational examples of city region governance in other countries are presented. These examples show that the current super-centralisation of the English state is out of step with progressive policy making in other countries. Suggestions on how to develop real devolution in England are outlined

How US local government resists Trump

This short article argues that, at a time when national politics is being disfigured by angry populism, learning from progressive US cities can be inspirational. It explains how two counties in California took President Trump to court over his attempt to penalise 'Sanctuary Cities' and won. The landmark decision by District Court Judge William Orrick, on 20 November 2017, blocks Trump's executive order. The implications for local government in the UK are spelt out

English devolution - time for a radical rethink

This article provides a robust critique of the UK central government's approach to devolution in England, arguing that the policy is incoherent, divisive, competitive and short-sighted. Public consultation has been minimal and many 'devolution deals' have been agreed behind closed doors. By drawing on new international research on respected examples of city region governance around the world the article makes the case for widening the conversation about devolution and exploring more radical solutions. The evidence shows that cities and city regions in countries across the world have adopted different models of place-based leadership. In particular, the article argues that directly elected mayors should not be seen as the only option for providing leadership of sub-national governance in England

Transatlantic lessons for UK cities

This short article examines the efforts being taken by US cities to resist the divisive policies being introduced by President Donald Trump. It notes that only 25% of America's 250 million adults voted for the reality TV showman, and that many US cities are totally opposed to his misguided policies. The main lesson for the UK is that place-based power in the UK needs to receive a massive boost. If UK local government remains weak there will be no adequate check on the misuse of power by in our over-centralised nation state