5.3.5

Local Government Policies

Test yourself

Local Government Policies - Planning Regulations

Local governments also aim to represent areas as being attractive for inward investment. They seek to create a sympathetic business environment and control of planning/building is a key tool for them.

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Local authorities compete with each other

  • Local authorities compete to create attractive business environments for investors and workers who are highly skilled.
  • Attracting businesses and highly skilled workers will increase the tax takings of a council and the employment in the area.
  • Having more business-friendly planning regulations may be a way to do this.
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Ways to attract businesses and workers

  • New roads and transport infrastructure is a good way to attract new businesses and workers.
  • In Manchester, the Metrolink service is being expanded to Manchester Airport, which should make the area more attractive.
  • New housing, factories and office supply available for rent may also help to make a local area more attractive.
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Science parks

  • Many local authorities create plans which designate specific areas for types of developments:
    • Science parks are industrial zones, which focus on research in the quaternary industry. These parks often happen in partnership with universities - e.g Cambridge science park was started in partnership with Trinity College, Cambridge.
  • Knowledge-based industries are strategically important to the national government for economic growth, so they may also receive national support.

Local Government Policies - Interest Groups

Local governments also aim to represent areas as being attractive for inward investment. They are often supported by local interest groups in this process:

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Who are interest groups?

  • Local interest groups can support a range of different perspectives/interests.
  • They can range from Chambers of Commerce, which aim to support the interests of their member businesses, to local conservation or preservation societies.
  • Trade unions may also be able to lobby and affect local government policy.
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Tensions between different interest groups

  • Different interest groups may have conflicting aims.
  • A Chamber of Commerce may want to support a new business development, while a local preservation group may want to keep greenbelt land.
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Changing places

  • As the fabric, function, and environment of places changes over time, different people and interest groups are attracted to an area. This can cause tension.
  • Often in affluent areas, interest groups are more vociferous and better organised.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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