As the UK struggles to reconcile its regional disparities, a new vision for 'good growth in every postcode' has emerged as a potential game-changer in the fight against national stagnation. Former Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening has given a damning assessment of past attempts to 'level up', suggesting that Boris Johnson's government failed to grasp the true meaning of its own rhetoric. The ex-Cabinet minister, who championed the 'levelling up' language during her tenure at the Department for Education, believes Andy Burnham's alternative approach is a more nuanced and effective strategy.
Greening has expressed particular concern that the Johnson government ultimately watered down the concept of 'levelling up', confining it to a narrow focus on town centre regeneration. She also criticises Keir Starmer's National Insurance contribution hike, arguing it would disproportionately affect younger workers, undermining efforts to break down barriers to opportunity.
To succeed, Burnham's plan needs three crucial elements, according to Greening. Firstly, she advocates for a shift away from top-down Whitehall control and towards local 'place' and partnership-driven initiatives. She cites her own experience with the 'opportunity areas' scheme at the DfE, which empowered local leaders to tailor priorities in collaboration with education, healthcare, business, and community groups.
Secondly, Greening stresses the importance of unleashing businesses as drivers of social mobility. Drawing on her work with The Purpose Coalition, she highlights examples like Yeovil-based Leonardo, a helicopter manufacturer that has created thousands of skilled jobs and fostered a symbiotic relationship with the local education system.
The third, and potentially most challenging, component is Treasury reform. Greening argues that 'good growth in every postcode' is fundamentally a public finances strategy, requiring a shift in how investment in social mobility is valued. She suggests that the Treasury must learn to properly value investments that contribute positively to the public purse, rather than simply treating them as additional costs.
Greening's observations offer a unique perspective on the ongoing debate about regional inequalities and economic development across the UK. As the country continues to grapple with these complex issues, her insights from within the Conservative Party provide a timely reminder of the need for a more comprehensive approach to 'levelling up'.