The study provides a map of the sub-regional economies of England and an analysis of the potential criteria for determining the appropriate spatial levels for economic issues, policies and markets.

A series of sub-regional maps for the labour market, migration, and markets for goods and services are developed. These maps are combined into one preferred sub regional map identifying 50 sub-regions, and these are compared using a number of indicators including productivity, GVA (gross value added) growth, VAT registrations, industrial clusters and deprivation.

In December 2006 the Local Government Association commissioned PACEC to produce a complete map of the sub-regional economies of England, and an analysis of potential criteria for mapping sub-regional economies.

The research provides an evidence-base to be used as part of the submission to the government’s ‘sub-national review’ of economic development and spending. The research also aims to help the government to consider which funding streams and decision streams should be devolved to which layer of governance.

The research developed a methodology for mapping functional economic regions. The labour markets are mapped based on the methodology of the 1998 travel to work areas (TTWAs).

Data for ward to ward commuting flows and migration come from the 2001 Census of Population. Data on the market for goods and services are derived by combining information from the Annual Business Inquiry, input/output tables from the Office for National Statistics, and Census of Population (consumers to estimate demand).

The study aimed to split England into sub-regions to fit policy areas as closely as possible. Generally the policy areas are found to fit well into the sub-regional boundaries derived from the exercise, but some policy areas transgress the boundaries, and in these cases the policy debate needs to focus on wider regions.

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01/01/2007

PACEC (Public and Corporate Economic Consultants)

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Urban economy