Rebuilding local democracy: the accountability challenge in English devolution

Abstract

The fostering of economic growth and productivity at a place-based level requires well-designed and well-functioning devolved institutions. This report identifies four different types of accountability and explores each of these in turn in relation to the emerging model of English devolution. These are: top-down accountability, which is the prevailing form in the British context: bottom-up accountability, which is far less developed here compared to many other states; inward accountability, which operates primarily through the institutionalised relationship between the mayor and the local authority leaders; and outward accountability which concerns how these authorities relate to their local communities and voters. Discussing each of these in turn, we identify the limitations of inward and outward accountability in relation to the emerging model of English devolution, and advance a number of key recommendations based upon the analysis.