The New Local Economics: A Reply to John Benington

Attempts are being made to construct a “new local economics” and important claims are being made on its behalf. In present circumstances, its contribution, though with some valuable achievements as John Benington has shown, must nevertheless be marginal. The task is to gain the maximum leverage from minimal resources, and this article suggests that the key priorities should be to use local authorities' influence as purchasers, employers and investors.