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The Institute of Economic Development (IED) has responded to the publication of the final report of the UK2070 Commission: ‘Make No Little Plans – Acting At Scale For A Fairer and Stronger Future’ (http://uk2070.org.uk/publications/). 

IED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock said:

“The IED completely endorses the work of the UK2070 Commission, which today published its ‘Make No Little Plans’ report. In fact, the IED is encouraging its members to shout it from the rooftops and pass no opportunity to help carry out its recommendations and raise its work with their colleagues and others of influence. 

“Whilst it is coincidence that the report has been published on the same day that environmental objections have placed doubt over the legal right of the Government to press on with Heathrow’s additional runway, it is perhaps symptomatic of a groundswell of opinion that we need a different answer. Ever greater pressures of growth place ever increasing burdens on the communities of the South East with clear evidence of the damage to health and the environment. Not addressing the economic gaps with the rest of the UK ignores the solution that an entire country approach could bring.

“Whether it is transport, housing, lower carbon emissions, skills or many other things, there are solutions to drive the entire economy for the good of everyone. It is a similar story with ‘The Marmot Review: 10 years on’, published earlier this week, which highlighted the worsening of health inequalities in England. It is important to recognise that growth in the regions can improve the quality of life in the South East whilst using the under-utilised economic assets of the regions benefits everyone. As the UK2070 Commission report says, this requires a dramatic shift in policies and patterns of expenditure. Perhaps most importantly it actually requires a massive shift in the mindset of Government from where we are now.

“This, in many ways, is the life work of the IED. Perhaps these are ideas that are beginning to get traction and we would welcome the opportunity to the UK2070 Commission directly in taking forward its recommendations.”

-ENDS-

Nigel Wilcock is available for interview via Phil Smith, Institute of Economic Development PR consultant, 01778 218180 / 07866 436159 / phil@philsmithcommunications.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

The Institute of Economic Development (IED) is the UK’s leading independent professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners. Established over 30 years ago, the IED's key objective is to represent the interests of economic development practitioners and ensure their views are widely expressed and noted. The IED is committed to demonstrating the value of economic development work for local and regional communities; the pursuit of best practice in economic development and the attainment of the highest standards of professional conduct and competence.