- Conference
- 2006 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 28 February 2006
- Decision
- Carried
Conference acknowledges the result of the North East referendum on an elected Regional Assembly in 2004 as the democratic will of the electorate. While Conference recognises the result and the concerns it represents in relation to elected assemblies we are disappointed that the ‘no’ vote was largely based on the pessimistic and business orientated arguments presented by the Right.
Conference notes that the result has not held back the tide of regional government. A significant tier of regional governance still exists as the government devolve more power and resources to regional government offices, quangos and non-departmental bodies. While these institutions spend billions of pounds and have a profound influence over public services they must become democratically accountable to service users and the public. They must also have a genuine commitment to consult and involve all the social and economic stakeholders.
There is an increased focus on the City region and regions as drivers for economic growth. This is further emphasised with the promotion of four growth areas for regeneration and growth in the South (Thames Gateway, Milton Keynes/South Midlands, London-Stansted, Cambridge and Ashford) and the Northern Way – a geographic and economic initiative to revive the economy in the northern regions.
These developments have implications for the future of public services and UNISON members:
1)public services, particularly health, social care, education and local government are a major potential for economic growth and regeneration. In terms of the economic power of the sectors, high levels of employment and linkages to local manufacturing, horticulture and research and development;
2)the extent to which growth and investment is directed to regeneration areas, market towns and existing communities, also has an important bearing on the location of health, social care, education and local government facilities. The availability of affordable housing, method and cost of travel to work and the provision of childcare are important to UNISON members in these regions;
3)the approach adopted in the growth areas and within regional bodies fails to acknowledge the role of the public sector in growth and economic development. There is reliance on market led development;
4)the development of new towns in the growth areas opens the potential for marketisation/privatisation of new faciliities and services. These areas are likely to be test beds for the government’s modernisation agenda;
5)there is a lack of democratic accountability within the bodies responsible for promoting and developing city region/region growth strategies.
Conference also calls on the government to make a clearer case as to why proposals for city regions are better than the former proposals for elected Regional Assemblies.
Conference agrees UNISON should:
a)seek to maximise its influence within the relevant city regions and regional organisations;
b)develop a coherent strategy in promoting the role of the public sector as a major factor for economic growth in regional economies;
c)provide branches and regions with notice of proposed government policy and make available information on the implications to the union of plans concerning regional governance;
d)call on regions and branches to provide information on regional activity, including member or officer participation in English regional bodies;
e)work with regions and service groups to develop a clear policy with regards to expected proposals concerning city regions;
f)promote and support an inter-region approach;
g)campaign in partnership with the political funds to ensure UNISON plays a central part in shaping the future vision for local and regional government.