Abstract

This chapter is concerned with the dynamics of new new localism and devolution. It follows the development of city regionalism through these different discourses and unfolding City Deals in Manchester and Sheffield, in the context of the Northern Powerhouse, questioning the effectiveness of this as a coordinating framework for local and regional economic development. Within a language of localism, devolution and austerity, the chapter looks at how civil society actors have sought to deal with city regional development approaches and the new governance structures. The chapter firstly considers how austerity has impacted on these processes. Secondly, by focusing on the positioning of civil society actors, it highlights how city regionalism and the Northern Powerhouse, more broadly, raise serious queries around developing notions of ‘inclusive growth’.