The Local Double Dividend

This CLES research report argues the flawed economic thinking and a Treasury economic model that has left so many parts of the UK lagging behind may simply be replicated at a local level following devolution unless we change tack.

Supported by Carnegie UK Trust and the Smith Institute, The Local Double Dividend examines the barriers to local economic development, the root causes of poverty and uneven economic performance and the limitations of current debate around devolution.

The report argues a ‘Double Dividend’ approach is required in which both economic and social success are seen as intrinsic to local prosperity. Social outcomes such as decent wages, and enduring social institutions, are key to an area’s sustainable economic success but are too often seen as a barrier to growth.