Planning Curses

David Metz writes about a great paper by Bridget Rosewell Planning Curses

"Planning Curses

'Planning Curses' is the title of a paper by the economist Bridget Rosewell, published by think tank Policy Exchange, which challenges conventional approaches to justifying investment in infrastructure. Economic models are too complicated and have a poor track record; and welfare analysis as the basis for benefits means little to those affected by investments - for instance the notional travel time savings from transport investments.

Bridget Rosewell wants us to pursue projects on the basis of their contribution to the economy, not to 'welfare', with business cases which engage business; and to use long-term frameworks for thinking about the future, rather than plans or blue-prints.

A stimulating critique of the standard approach."