Devolution and the UK Economy

The Scottish Referendum in September 2014 had significant and far-reaching consequences for the political settlement of the UK. The pressure for more fiscal devolution and other economic powers in the devolved nations has increased demands for greater economic decentralisation in the regions and sub-regions of England.

Now, a new book, edited by IKD’s Leslie Budd, Reader in Social Enterprise at OUBS, and David Bailey, Professor of Industry at Aston Business School, constructs an analytical narrative that draws on the evidence of the Scottish experience and expert testimony from the Smith Commission and other policy advisors. Drawing on ideas from fiscal federalism and agglomeration economics, the contributors to Devolution and the UK Economy examine the restructuring of economic territories within the UK, and explore what new governmental powers and forms of governance are needed to achieve a more economically and spatially balanced economy.

The book, published by Rowman & Littlefield International, was launched at a high-profile event in Belfast on 14 March, when Leslie was introduced by the Chair of Northern Ireland's Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, Patsy McGlone MLA, with these words:

I have worked with Leslie in his role as Special Economic Advisor to the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee over the last 18 months. Leslie's work has always provoked great discussion in terms of scrutiny of policy issues that our Committee has to assess. This new book on devolution will be a useful aide to policymakers looking at the various issues emerging from post-referendum Scotland, and how the political landscape is changing across the UK.

Buy Devolution and the UK Economy.