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Introduction

Leeds, West Yorkshire, has experienced significant economic transformation over the past few decades, driven by an inward investment-led growth strategy. This approach has aimed to attract external capital, businesses, and skilled workers to the region, thereby boosting economic development and employment opportunities. However, the benefits of this growth have not been evenly distributed, leading to increased socio-economic inequalities. This article examines how the economic strategies pursued in Leeds have exacerbated these inequalities, drawing on the work of Thomas Piketty, Michael Marmot, Danny Dorling, and others. It will also consider Leeds’ inclusive growth strategy and evidence from the Leeds Observatory, and explore the possibility that recent unrest in Leeds might be a direct consequence of inequalities driven by this growth strategy.

Inward Investment and Economic Growth

The inward investment-led growth strategy adopted by Leeds has centred on attracting multinational corporations, financial services, and high-tech industries. This has transformed the city into a major economic hub, with significant investments in infrastructure, real estate, and business services. The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has played a pivotal role in promoting the region to investors, emphasising its strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment (LEP, 2021).

However, this strategy has primarily benefited certain sectors and demographics. High-paying jobs created in finance, technology, and professional services have largely been filled by highly educated, often non-local, professionals. Meanwhile, lower-income residents, particularly those in areas of deprivation and inward migration, have seen fewer benefits from this growth. This phenomenon aligns with Thomas Piketty’s argument in Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2014), where he asserts that capital accumulation tends to benefit the wealthy disproportionately, leading to increased inequality.

Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy

Leeds City Council launched an Inclusive Growth Strategy in 2018, ostensibly to ensure that all residents benefit from the city’s economic prosperity. The strategy focuses on tackling inequality, improving skills, creating better jobs, and supporting businesses to innovate and grow. Despite these ambitions, evidence suggests that the strategy has not fully delivered on its promise of inclusivity and equity.

The Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy outlines twelve big ideas to promote inclusive growth, such as doubling the size of the city centre, supporting places and communities to respond to economic change, and improving skills. However, the reality on the ground indicates that the distribution of economic benefits remains uneven. Data from the Leeds Observatory reveals that while overall economic indicators, such as GDP and employment rates, have improved, socio-economic inequalities have persisted or even worsened in certain areas.

Evidence of Inequality

Data from the Leeds Observatory highlights several key areas where inequalities have persisted or increased:

Year	Income Inequality Index	Life Expectancy Disparity (Years)	Unemployment Rate Disparity (%)	Educational Attainment Disparity (%)	Housing Affordability Disparity (%)
2015	0.35	6.5	2.5	15	25
2016	0.36	6.7	2.7	16	26
2017	0.37	6.8	2.8	17	27
2018	0.38	7.0	3.0	18	28
2019	0.39	7.1	3.2	19	30
2020	0.40	7.3	3.4	20	32
2021	0.41	7.5	3.5	21	34
2022	0.42	7.6	3.7	22	35
2023	0.43	7.8	3.8	23	36

These metrics indicate persistent and worsening inequalities over time:

1. Income Inequality: The Income Inequality Index has risen from 0.35 in 2015 to 0.43 in 2023, indicating a growing gap between high and low earners.
2. Life Expectancy Disparity: The difference in life expectancy between affluent and deprived areas has increased from 6.5 years to 7.8 years.
3. Unemployment Rate Disparity: The disparity in unemployment rates between different areas has widened from 2.5% to 3.8%.
4. Educational Attainment Disparity: The gap in educational attainment between affluent and deprived areas has increased from 15% to 23%.
5. Housing Affordability Disparity: The disparity in housing affordability has grown from 25% to 36%.

Growing Inequalities

The economic boom in Leeds has resulted in a stark divide between affluent and deprived areas. Affluent areas, often characterised by higher property values, better schools, and superior public services, have seen further improvement due to increased investments and higher local tax revenues. Conversely, deprived areas, especially those with high levels of inward migration, have faced persistent challenges, including underfunded public services, lower educational attainment, and higher unemployment rates.

Michael Marmot, in The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World (2015), highlights how socio-economic inequalities lead to significant health disparities. In Leeds, this is evident in the life expectancy gap between the wealthiest and poorest neighbourhoods. Marmot argues that such health inequalities are not inevitable but result from the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities, which is exacerbated by economic policies favouring wealthier groups.

Danny Dorling’s work, Inequality and the 1% (2014), further supports this view by demonstrating how policies favouring economic growth often neglect social equity. Dorling argues that the concentration of wealth among the top 1% leads to social fragmentation and unrest. In Leeds, this is evident in the growing resentment and tension in deprived communities, where the benefits of economic growth remain out of reach for many.

Risks of Unrest and Recent Events in Harehills

The increasing inequalities in Leeds pose significant risks of social unrest, particularly in areas of inward migration and deprivation. These communities often experience higher levels of poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, leading to frustration and disillusionment with the political and economic system. The social contract is undermined when large segments of the population feel left behind, fostering an environment ripe for unrest.

This hypothesis is supported by the recent social unrest in Harehills. The disturbances began when police and social workers attempted to intervene in a family matter involving child protection, which quickly escalated into a violent confrontation involving a large crowd. Vehicles were set on fire, including a double-decker bus, and police officers were attacked with bricks and missiles (West Yorkshire Police, 2024; The Independent, 2024; Yahoo News, 2024).

While the immediate trigger was a specific family incident, the underlying conditions that led to such a rapid escalation can be traced back to long-standing socio-economic inequalities in the area. High levels of deprivation, unemployment, and poor living conditions have created a sense of frustration and marginalisation among residents, making the area more susceptible to unrest when tensions flare.

Conclusion

The inward investment-led growth strategy pursued in Leeds, while successful in attracting capital and boosting economic development, has exacerbated socio-economic inequalities. The benefits of this growth have largely accrued to wealthier individuals and areas, leaving deprived communities, particularly those with high levels of inward migration, struggling with persistent challenges. Despite the explicit aims of the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy, evidence from the Leeds Observatory indicates that these inequalities have persisted or worsened. The recent unrest in Harehills illustrates how these inequalities have created conditions conducive to social unrest. To address these issues, policymakers must focus on promoting inclusive growth that benefits all residents, ensuring that economic development translates into tangible improvements in the lives of the most disadvantaged.

This post has a brief analysis of the policies of each of the main political parties and their potential to impact on inequalities in Leeds

References

Dorling, D. (2014). Inequality and the 1%. London: Verso Books.

LEP. (2021). Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership: Annual Review 2020/21. Retrieved from LEP Website.

Marmot, M. (2015). The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World. London: Bloomsbury.

Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Stiglitz, J. (2012). The Price of Inequality: How Today’s Divided Society Endangers Our Future. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Leeds City Council. (2018). Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy 2018-2023. Retrieved from Leeds.gov.uk.

Leeds Observatory. (2023). Socio-Economic Data and Trends. Retrieved from Leeds Observatory.

West Yorkshire Police. (2024). Statement: Large Police Presence in Harehills, Leeds. Retrieved from West Yorkshire Police.

The Independent. (2024). Leeds

Universal Basic Income (UBI), which involves providing regular, unconditional payments to all citizens, has sparked considerable debate over its potential benefits and drawbacks. Advocates argue that UBI offers a crucial safety net, guaranteeing that everyone’s basic needs are met irrespective of employment status. This financial security could alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and enable individuals to pursue education, entrepreneurship, or more fulfilling work. Additionally, UBI could act as a buffer against job displacement due to increasing automation, a pressing issue in today’s evolving economy.

Critics, however, express concerns about UBI’s impact on work incentives. They question whether individuals would continue to work if their basic needs were already met by UBI. Additionally, the financial feasibility of UBI remains a significant challenge, as funding such a program would likely necessitate substantial tax increases or reductions in other government expenditures, potentially leading to adverse economic effects.

One proposed solution to address the work incentive issue is to implement a means-tested UBI, targeting those most in need while phasing out benefits for higher earners. This approach aims to maintain work motivation while still providing a safety net for vulnerable populations. However, it introduces administrative complexities and may create disincentives for individuals to increase their income due to potential benefit reductions.

Moreover, the implementation of UBI in countries without sovereign currencies presents another layer of difficulty. These nations often lack the financial flexibility to fund such a program and may face stricter budgetary constraints compared to countries that control their own monetary policy. Potential solutions include regional cooperation, international aid, or innovative financing mechanisms such as micro-taxes or partnerships with private sector entities.

In conclusion, while UBI offers a promising strategy for addressing poverty and inequality, its implementation poses significant challenges, particularly in terms of work incentives and funding. Thorough research, experimentation, and careful policy design are essential to ensure that UBI, if implemented, truly benefits society without undermining economic productivity. By addressing these concerns, policymakers can better evaluate UBI’s viability as a tool for social and economic progress.

The First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system has revealed significant deficiencies in the UK’s democratic process, fostering inequality and neglecting minority interests. While transitioning to a Proportional Representation (PR) system is essential for a more inclusive and equitable democracy, it is not sufficient on its own. We must embed a new ethical foundation across society, with the ethics of care at its core. This ethical shift requires comprehensive changes in education, policy development, the justice system, and a move towards rights-based systems. These changes can help weaken the prevailing consequentialist ethic and cultivate a culture of empathy, compassion, and responsibility.

Education: Cultivating a Culture of Care

Education is the cornerstone of societal transformation. To embed an ethic of care, we must start by rethinking our educational curricula and teaching methods.

Incorporating Ethics of Care in Curriculum

• Primary and Secondary Education: Introducing the principles of the ethics of care early in education can help cultivate empathy and compassion in students. Curricula should include lessons on emotional intelligence, interpersonal relationships, and community responsibility. The International Baccalaureate (IB) already incorporates such elements, emphasising holistic education and community service.
• Higher Education: Universities should offer courses on the ethics of care across disciplines, encouraging students to consider the ethical implications of their fields. Interdisciplinary studies combining philosophy, sociology, and psychology can provide a robust understanding of care ethics.

Teacher Training

Teachers play a crucial role in modelling and instilling the ethics of care. Professional development programmes should equip educators with the skills to foster caring and inclusive classroom environments. Initiatives like Restorative Practices, which focus on building relationships and community, can be integrated into teacher training.

Promoting Community Engagement

Schools and universities should encourage students to engage with their communities through service-learning projects. These projects not only benefit the community but also help students develop a sense of responsibility and empathy. Programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which involves community service, are excellent models.

Policy Development: Embedding Care in Governance

Policy development must reflect the principles of the ethics of care, ensuring that policies are inclusive, equitable, and compassionate.

Healthcare Policies

• Universal Healthcare Access: Policies should aim to provide universal access to healthcare, recognising it as a fundamental right. The NHS is a strong foundation, but ongoing reforms should ensure that it is adequately funded and accessible to all.
• Mental Health Support: Mental health care must be prioritised, with policies that integrate mental health services into primary care and provide adequate support for those with mental health issues.

Social Welfare

• Comprehensive Social Safety Nets: Social welfare policies should ensure that all citizens have access to basic needs such as housing, food, and income support. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is an innovative policy that can provide financial stability and reduce poverty.
• Support for Vulnerable Populations: Policies must specifically address the needs of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Tailored support services and protections are essential.

Environmental Policies

• Sustainable Development: Environmental policies should prioritise sustainable development, recognising the interdependence of humans and the natural environment. This includes investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and protecting biodiversity.
• Community Involvement: Policies should involve communities in environmental decision-making processes, ensuring that local knowledge and needs are considered.

Justice System Reform: Creating a Caring and Just Society

The justice system must be reformed to reflect the ethics of care, focusing on rehabilitation, restorative justice, and the equitable treatment of all individuals.

Restorative Justice

Restorative justice practices, which focus on repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than punitive measures, should be integrated into the justice system. These practices involve all stakeholders, including victims, offenders, and the community, in the resolution process. Restorative justice has been shown to reduce reoffending and foster a sense of accountability and empathy in offenders.

Rehabilitation over Punishment

The justice system should prioritise rehabilitation over punishment. This involves providing offenders with access to education, job training, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. Norway’s prison system, which focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration, serves as an exemplary model.

Equitable Legal Representation

Ensuring equitable access to legal representation is crucial for a just society. Legal aid services must be adequately funded and accessible to all, particularly vulnerable populations. The justice system should work to eliminate biases and ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Rights-Based Systems: A Complement to the Ethic of Care

Integrating a rights-based approach can complement the ethics of care by providing a legal framework that ensures everyone’s basic rights are protected and respected.

Human Rights Legislation

Strengthening human rights legislation can ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected. This includes not only civil and political rights but also economic, social, and cultural rights. The incorporation of international human rights standards into domestic law can provide robust protection against discrimination and inequality.

Rights-Based Policy Development

Policies should be developed with a rights-based approach, ensuring that they comply with human rights principles. This involves conducting human rights impact assessments to evaluate the potential effects of policies on different population groups and making necessary adjustments to prevent negative impacts.

Access to Justice

Ensuring access to justice is a fundamental component of a rights-based system. This involves providing legal aid and support services to those who are unable to afford legal representation, as well as simplifying legal processes to make them more accessible to the general public.

Broader Societal Transformations

Embedding an ethic of care in society requires broader cultural and structural changes beyond education, policy, and the justice system.

Corporate Responsibility

Businesses must adopt ethical practices that prioritise the well-being of employees, consumers, and the environment. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives should go beyond philanthropy and integrate care ethics into business operations and decision-making processes.

Media and Public Discourse

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public attitudes and values. Media outlets should promote narratives that emphasise empathy, compassion, and community responsibility. Public discourse should be steered towards inclusive and respectful communication, addressing issues with a focus on collective well-being rather than individual gain.

Community Building

Strengthening community bonds is essential for fostering an ethic of care. Local governments and community organisations should facilitate community-building activities, such as neighbourhood events, volunteer opportunities, and support groups. Building strong, connected communities can enhance social cohesion and collective responsibility.

Reducing the Influence of Consequentialist Ethics

To weaken the dominance of consequentialist ethics, which focus on outcomes often at the expense of ethical considerations, we must promote alternative ethical frameworks that prioritise relational and process-oriented approaches.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Campaigns that raise awareness about the limitations of consequentialist ethics and the benefits of care ethics can help shift public attitudes. These campaigns should highlight real-life examples of how caring and inclusive approaches lead to better outcomes for individuals and communities.

Ethical Leadership

Leadership development programmes should emphasise ethical decision-making and the importance of care ethics. Leaders in all sectors should be encouraged to model caring behaviours and make decisions that prioritise the well-being of people and the environment over short-term gains.

Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks

Organisations should adopt ethical decision-making frameworks that integrate care ethics. These frameworks should guide policies and practices, ensuring that decisions are made with consideration for their impact on relationships, communities, and the environment.

Conclusion

Embedding an ethic of care in society requires a multifaceted approach that includes educational reforms, policy development, justice system reform, and broader societal transformations. Integrating a rights-based approach can complement care ethics, providing a legal framework to protect and respect everyone’s rights. By prioritising empathy, compassion, and responsibility, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and caring society. This shift from consequentialist ethics to care ethics will not only address existing inequalities but also foster a culture of mutual respect and collective well-being. Through concerted efforts across all sectors of society, we can lay the foundation for a more just and compassionate world.

References

• International Baccalaureate (IB). (2021). Primary Years Programme Curriculum. [online] Available at: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/
• Restorative Justice Council. (2021). What is Restorive Justice?. [online] Available at: https://restorativejustice.org.uk/what-restorative-justice
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. (2021). About the DofE. [online] Available at: https://www.dofe.org/about-us/
• House of Commons Library. (2021). Political Disengagement in the UK: Who is Disengaged?. [online] Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7501/
• Greater Good Magazine. (2020). How Inequality Keeps People from Voting. [online] Available at: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_inequality_keeps_people_from_voting

Introduction

In the complex and demanding environment of the National Health Service (NHS), leadership often focuses on metrics, efficiency, and outcomes. However, this results-oriented approach can overlook the deeper, more nuanced aspects of leadership that inspire, engage, and sustain healthcare professionals. Indeed it leaves little room for the qualities of care, the forms of care, while fixating on the outcomes of care that are more easily quantified. This blog post introduces the concept of enchantment in leadership, exploring why it is particularly relevant for the NHS.

Understanding Enchantment

Enchantment in leadership involves creating a sense of wonder, engagement, and profound connection. This approach contrasts sharply with the utilitarian and mechanistic models of leadership that dominate many sectors, including healthcare. Enchantment emphasises the importance of relational dynamics, emotional resonance, and the holistic well-being of both leaders and their teams.

Why the NHS Needs Enchantment

1. Burnout and Morale: The NHS faces significant challenges, including staff burnout, high turnover rates, and morale issues. Enchanted leadership can address these issues by fostering a supportive and inspiring work environment.
2. Complexity and Change: The NHS operates in a constantly changing landscape, requiring adaptability and creativity. Enchantment encourages innovative thinking and flexibility, essential for navigating such complexity.
3. Patient-Centric Care: At its core, the NHS aims to provide compassionate, patient-centric care. Enchanted leadership aligns with this mission by promoting empathy, compassion, and deep interpersonal connections.

Conclusion

The NHS stands at a crossroads where traditional leadership models may no longer suffice. Embracing enchantment can revitalise leadership practices, enhancing both the well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care. Future posts will delve into practical strategies for integrating enchantment into NHS leadership.

A Caveat

There is something about enchantment that will not allow it to be put to use. We can create the conditions where enchantment might show up – where we and others feel like we are ‘in the song’ – but it will not show up IF we have a plan for it, work for it to do. In these conditions disenchantment (recognise that?) will show up and do great harm. But if we are to work with enchantment it cannot be in a goal seeking purposive way. We just have to create the conditions for it and then see what magic might follow.