Bridging Gaps: Policy, Participation, and Mental Health in Birmingham.

PhD student, Henna Chumber shares insights from a City-REDI Social Value and Impact studentship, exploring youth engagement in Birmingham Promise. From the Classroom to Council  Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of diving into the world of policy through a City-REDI’s Social Value and Impact studentship. As a PhD student in Psychology with … Continue reading “Bridging Gaps: Policy, Participation, and Mental Health in Birmingham.”

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Project Spotlight: Uncovering Patterns and Policy Implications of Multiple Employment

In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog of the series, we look at Dr Darja Reuschke’s work on exploring the dynamics and policy implications of multiple employment, particularly the combination of salaried jobs and self-employment. Project Overview The “Uncovering Patterns and … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Uncovering Patterns and Policy Implications of Multiple Employment”

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Policy News – July 2025

This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events.   Reports from Academics and Think Tanks Title Details Published Checking out: The varying performance of high streets across the country This report identifies four key reasons why high street vacancy rates vary so much … Continue reading “Policy News – July 2025”

Policy News – June 2025

This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events.   Reports from Academics and Think Tanks   Title Details Published Build to Rent: Patterns in growth and geography This briefing from the Centre for Cities examines the growing role of Build to Rent (BtR) … Continue reading “Policy News – June 2025”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 April 2025

Concerns about geopolitical risks and further fragmentation of the global economy are leading to policy uncertainty and a weakening of business and consumer sentiment. In the Spring Statement the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer announced welfare reforms and civil service cost cuts, alongside an increase in defence spending. Businesses and households are facing increasing bills … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 April 2025”

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West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 January 2025

In the first 2025 edition of the West Midland’s Impact Monitor, President Trump re-entered the White House as the 47th President of the USA in January 2025. The Trump presidency is expected to foster a more protectionist trade environment. Renewed trade hostilities could disrupt global commerce, create supply chain bottlenecks and most likely increase costs … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 January 2025”

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Rail Nationalisation – Real Policy Change or Just Ideology?

The UK Labour Government’s plan to renationalise train operating companies aims to gradually transition them to state control as contracts expire, but this move is more a continuation of existing trends than a radical shift. Professor Donald Houston, Dr Magda Cepeda-Zorrilla and Dr Sara Hassan look at the core challenges facing British railways. The UK … Continue reading “Rail Nationalisation – Real Policy Change or Just Ideology?”

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Project Spotlight: Socio-Economic Impact Model for the UK (SEIM-UK)

In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI and WMREDI. In the first blog from this series, we look at SEIM-UK, an economic model that City-REDI has used to assess the economic impact of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the impact of Council tax cuts, and help … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Socio-Economic Impact Model for the UK (SEIM-UK)”

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