LEAVE-voting towns got their wish – but will be hit hardest by Brexit, according to a report released by the Carnegie UK Trust.
Research compiled by Heather McCauley, former Scottish Government head of strategy, and Professor Duncan Maclennan of Glasgow University links “declining” local economies with the referendum result, stating that struggling areas had a key role in shaping the Leave majority.
However, it says problems suffered in these areas are more related to homegrown leadership failures than impacts from Europe.
And the regions most in favour
of quitting the bloc are now most likely to suffer the worst consequences for at least a decade.
Maclennan said: “Our research tells us that those who voted to leave during Brexit were more likely to live in towns that have been neglected by policy makers. These difficulties primarily arose because of UK failures in managing places rather than membership of the EU.
“Brexit is more likely to exacerbate than resolve the difficulties of most UK towns and although it may be too soon to really know what the precise impact of Brexit on towns will be, it’s clear that there needs to be action now to ensure that present neglect ends.
“Towns therefore need to urgently rethink their economic futures, and this needs to be done whether Brexit is soft, hard or even cancelled.”
The paper examines the impact that losing skilled migrant workers will have on local economies, as well as the reduction of funding packages for the poorest communities. It also covers the threat from reduced tourism and calls for the creation of regional support policies.
Maclennan said: “We have identified areas in the report which need significant change and we believe that a ‘towns deal’ whereby national and devolved governments consider setting up investment vehicles for towns, similar to city region deals, should be considered.
“Brexit is an opportunity to catalyse change that gives towns a new, more central role in public policy. It’s also an opportunity to remind governments that towns matter and that the key issues that towns face need to be addressed, regardless of the outcome of Brexit negotiations.”
Boston and Skegness in the East Midlands had the highest Leave majority, followed by South Basildon and East Thurrock.
All Scottish regions voted Remain.
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