Industrial decline and government response in the West Midlands: the case of Coventry

Abstract

Healey M. J. and Clark D. (1984) Industrial decline and government response in the West Midlands: the case of Coventry, Reg. Studies 18, 303–318. The severity of recession in the West Midlands is mirrored in the decline of Coventry. Survey data on employment levels in the city's manufacturing establishments in 1974 and 1982 identify the components of recent industrial change. Many factors are responsible for the poor performance of the area compared with the rest of the country, including adverse industrial and urban structure, the size and ownership characteristics of plants and firms, the structure of the labour market, and government regional policy. Their precise effects are discussed both in general and in relation to the motor-car industry. Suggestions are made concerning the types of policy that would most benefit the area in future.