Academics visit Parliament for roundtable on place-based policy approaches

10 Aug 2023

A roundtable event recently took place at the House of Commons, hosted by Policy@Manchester and DevoInflect, to discuss 'place-based' policy approaches to reduce inequalities and spur economic growth across the UK

The event, organised by  policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, brought together policymakers, academics, business leaders and other stakeholders. It followed the launch of Power in Place, a collection of articles from our University’s academics, examining evidence-led solutions for thriving and sustainable communities.

Several contributors to Power in Place spoke at the roundtable, including Dr Jamie Anderson, Research Fellow in Geography. He argued that to build climate resilience and boost wellbeing, policy and practice need legally binding accountability and progress monitoring, with action required when off course.

Professor Arpana Verma, Head of the Department of Public Health, focused her contribution on the challenge of health inequalities, and set out an asset-based approach, pointing to Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) as a means addressing these inequalities.

Dr Carl Emery and Louisa Dawes of the Manchester Institute of Education also participated. They highlighted that standardised, one-size-fits-all approaches to alleviating poverty are not working. Schools need local understanding to shape students' experiences, attitudes and skills.

Dr Eric Lybeck, Presidential Fellow and a Lecturer at the Manchester Institute of Education, argued for an approach of reskilling places, rather than people, to combat the current issue of young people leaving seaside towns to gain skills and find work elsewhere, thus deskilling these 'left-behind' places.

Aberconwy MP Robin Millar, who chaired the event, said: “We all recognise there are some huge socioeconomic challenges, and I am convinced a place-based lens brings an important, relevant perspective.

“As an MP in North Wales I recognise the huge difference between our coastal communities and the rural hinterland – and the importance of local and distinctive approaches for each.

“Unlocking this needs politicians who seek to listen, enable and empower rather than just hold onto old ideas and structures.”

• Power In Place can be downloaded from the Policy@Manchester website. It offers insight into place-based policy across areas from health to education, sustainability to economic disparities.