Research to examine and strengthen intergovernmental structures and relationships.

The Bennett Institute for Public Policy and PolicyWISE are collaborating on research project examining the recently established Council of the Nations & Regions. It will lead to an innovative report looking at how the Council might be developed; where it fits within the wider architecture of UK intergovernmental relations; and how it can contribute to better relations between central government, the devolved governments, and the English ‘metro’ mayors.
The report will draw on:
- Insights from interviews with key policymakers in each UK nation.
- A review of existing intergovernmental structures and research, as well as international case studies.
- A historical appreciation of the distinctive ways in which relations between government heads have been institutionalised in the UK context, since devolution was first introduced.
The project will be the first dedicated research work to examine the Council of the Nations & Regions. This is the UK Government’s new flagship intergovernmental initiative, supporting the Prime Minister’s commitment to “reset/refresh” relationships across administrations.
The project aims to develop constructive recommendations aimed at policymakers and researchers across the UK.
This timely research initiative arrives at a crucial moment in the evolution of UK governance. By combining historical analysis, contemporary insights from policymakers, and international perspectives, the project promises to deliver valuable recommendations for strengthening intergovernmental cooperation across the UK.
Image: By Number 10 – Prime Minister Keir Starmer host Council of Nations and Regions, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=153794253