As the Association adapted to this changing environment, it proclaimed a continued need for its work when, in 1973, Britain entered the European Economic Community (EEC). However, with the return to power of Wilson’s
Labour party in 1974, a range of institutional innovations, such as the National Enterprise Board, were introduced as the national economy was reconfigured. The result was a 60% reduction in regional policy expenditure between 1975 and 1980. Regional plans and studies continued to be produced, but their recommendations did not receive the same commitment from the government.