Tackling political disenchantment in ‘forgotten about’ places: what should governments try now?

This panel discussion was part of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy Annual Conference 2025. 

Have western governments got a handle on the root causes of the inequalities creating deep disenchantment and occasional citizen unrest in hinterland places and poorer communities? What kinds of policy tools and interventions are most likely to address these factors? What can be learned from central, regional and local government initiatives since the mid-2000s? Is devolution an important part of the answer? 

The panel explored these issues, looking in-depth at the UK’s recent experience and considering trends across western Europe. Do liberal democracies have the right kinds of policy tools and ambition to move the dial on geographically rooted inequalities?

Speakers:

• Prof Andres Rodriguez-Pose, London School of Economics
• Jessica Studdert, New Local
• Tom Walker, Essex County Council
• Chair: Prof Michael Kenny, Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge

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