From crisis manager to strategic partner: the changing role of four london boroughs in economic regeneration.

The paper considers the role that local government has been playing in economic development over the last 20 years based upon an analysis of policy changes in four London Boroughs using a combination of documentary evidence and interviews with Borough economic development officers. Shifts in local policy are interpreted firstly within the context of changes in the institutional arrangements and practices at the national and European levels. The marginalisation of local authorities with respect to many aspects of local economic policy is shown, along with the shift from direct intervention to a more arms-length approach. Secondly, the effect of political and ideological changes on local economic policy is considered and various reasons for the growing convergence of approaches between local authorities are put forward. Finally, the degree to which the roles of the Boroughs have become more strategic in their approach is considered.