The Division of Regional Industrial Policy Powers in Britain: Some Implications of the 1984 Policy Reforms

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Abstract
In this paper the implications are considered of the 1984 reforms to the regional policy schemes operated by the Department of Trade and Industry and the European Community for the division of regional industrial policy powers. The division of regional industrial policy powers between the European Community, the national government, and regional and local organisations has been the subject of little debate in Britain. The 1984 reforms are likely to weaken the role of the national government relative to the other participants. The relative position of the national government has been slowly weakening since the early 1970s. In addition, changes in regional policy fashions in favour of assisting service industries, innovation, and small firms are likely eventually to favour further decentralisation of regional industrial policy powers.