The concept of 'Manchesterism' has been making waves in the West Country, and it's an idea that could potentially revolutionize the way power is distributed and decisions are made in rural areas. But what does it mean, and how might it impact the region? Personally, I think it's an exciting development that could bring about significant change, but it also raises important questions about the future of local governance and the role of communities in decision-making processes. From my perspective, Manchesterism is about devolution - taking power away from central government and putting it into the hands of local communities. This is a concept that has been gaining traction in recent years, and it's particularly relevant in the West Country, where there is a strong desire for more autonomy and a say in local affairs. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for it to address the long-standing tension between central government and local people. For decades, there has been a power struggle, with central government dictating how things should be done, and local people often feeling like their voices are not heard. If devolution is implemented successfully, it could unleash a wave of dynamism and innovation, as local people are empowered to make decisions that are best for their communities. However, it's not without its challenges. Dr. Sam Power, a politics lecturer at the University of Bristol, points out that devolution can be incredibly difficult to replicate on a large scale. Local elections often have low turnout, and there is a risk that the powers given to local leaders may not be used effectively. This raises a deeper question about the engagement and participation of local people in the decision-making process. One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for Manchesterism to benefit rural areas like the West Country. The Somerset Chamber of Commerce believes that Manchesterism could work just as well in rural areas as it does in cities, and this is a crucial point. If devolution is truly about trusting places to make decisions for themselves, then rural areas deserve the same opportunity. Somerset has enormous potential, and local leaders are best placed to help unlock it. However, there are also concerns about the potential for devolution to lead to a lack of coordination and collaboration between different local authorities. In Swindon, for example, there is an ongoing conflict about what a combined authority might look like, and the wider devolution of powers that might come with more metro mayors like in Manchester. This highlights the need for careful planning and consideration of the potential implications of devolution. In my opinion, the key to successful devolution is ensuring that local people are engaged and involved in the process. This means finding ways to encourage participation and ensure that the powers given to local leaders are used effectively. It also means addressing the concerns of those who may feel left behind or excluded from the decision-making process. One area where devolution could have a significant impact is in business rate reform. The Hands off our Pubs (HOOP) group, which campaigns for business rate reform and VAT reduction in the hospitality sector, believes that pubs are central to the 'growth in every postcode' agenda. Mark Terry-Lush, one of the group's founders, argues that reducing business rates or VAT would allow businesses to grow and employ more people. However, Phil Kiernan, owner of the Farmer's Boy in Longhope and fellow HOOP founder, points out that it would also mean fewer taxes for the treasury. This raises a deeper question about the trade-offs involved in devolution and the need to balance the interests of different stakeholders. In conclusion, Manchesterism is an exciting concept that has the potential to bring about significant change in the West Country. However, it's not without its challenges, and careful planning and consideration are needed to ensure that it is implemented successfully. The key to success lies in engaging and involving local people in the decision-making process, and addressing the concerns of those who may feel left behind or excluded. If devolution is truly about trusting places to make decisions for themselves, then the West Country has the potential to become a model for successful devolution and a shining example of the power of local communities.
