Towards prosperity: Reinvigorating local economies through Universal Basic Services

As we enter a new decade the future is increasingly uncertain. This paper focuses on interpreting existing research on localism and the foundational economy in light of recent discussions concerning Universal Basic Services (IGP, 2017; 2019a; Coote & Percy, 2020). We argue that localisation of basic services should form the basis of a new industrial strategy for the 2020’s. Investment in the infrastructure of care, health, education, transport and communication would increase people’s capacities, capabilities and opportunities for economic and social participation. These engines of investment improve people’s quality of life at the local level and regenerate local economies. By bringing localisation of basic services to the heart of a new industrial strategy control would return to places and people and help to secure livelihoods in the face of broad technological and societal change.