Local Government Policies
Geography: Edexcel A Level, topic 5.3.5
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Local Government Policies
3 local government planning initiatives
Interest groups are often more vociferous and better organised in what areas?
Which of the following are common types of interest groups?