Regionalisation: opportunity or barrier?

Panel: Panel 1. Strategies and integrated policies

Author:
Zoltan Zavody, Energy Saving Trust

Abstract

The paper looks at the evolving regionalisation agenda in the United Kingdom, in particular:

how the energy policy framework for the English regions is developing; and the shifting balance of powers and responsibilities between local, regional, and national level.
how the Energy Saving Trust, the Government funded organisation promoting domestic energy efficiency, is responding to this agenda.

The paper starts with a review of the wider regionalisation agenda in the United Kingdom. The latest developments began when the Labour Government came into power in 1997, allowing the devolution of significant powers to Wales and Scotland. This has been followed by increasing regionalisation within England itself.

The paper then looks at the implications for sustainable energy: Responsibility for energy policy overall is retained in Westminster (London). However, responsibility for associated policies - energy efficiency, housing, planning, etc. - has been devolved to varying degrees. This brings decisions closer to the people they affect; but takes them further from central Government and centralised organisations.

Yet the Government of the United Kingdom as a whole is committed to achieving its Kyoto target, and has a longer-term aim to make a transition to a low-carbon economy. The Energy Saving Trust - now with offices in the devolved countries, but not as yet in the regions - is there to assist with this.

The paper assesses the appropriate policy framework for regions to help deliver national targets on sustainable energy; and discusses the role and structure of a national energy agency within this framework.

The United Kingdom comprises four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The relationship between Northern Ireland and London (Westminster) has a longer and more complicated history than that discussed here.