WPI's Covid Recovery Commission continues to influence political thinking

As Labour today unveiled its proposals for change within Britain, the Covid Recovery Commission was named as one of organisations that has influenced the party’s thinking.

The Commission is an independent group of business leaders set up by WPI Strategy in 2020, with the aim of providing new ideas to ensure that the UK emerges from the pandemic a stronger and fairer economy.

Its third and final report, Ambition 2030: A Partnership for Growth, specifically set out proposals to devolve powers to new “Local Prosperity Partnerships" that make business, government, institutions and society work towards a common goal.

At the centre of Labour’s plans unveiled today is an overarching commitment to decentralisation, including a new constitutional commitment for Westminster to respect the autonomy of local and regional government. But the 155 page report, put together by a commission headed by the former Labour PM Gordon Brown, lists a total of 40 recommendations, ranging from abolishing the House of Lords to creating new revenue-raising powers for local areas.

“We have examined reports that have been compiled by Governments of all colours over the last 50 years,” the report authors state.

Both the Centre for Cities and the Institute of Government are also thanked for sharing their thinking, while the Covid Recovery Commission is named as an influencing body alongside the IPPR, the Fabian Society, the Resolution Foundation, Onward, the Social Market Foundation and Lord Heseltine.