The following piece written by Professor Alister Scott was originally posted by Urban Living Birmingham: I recently wrote about the disintegration of the housing debate where I argued that there are no ‘magic bullet’ solutions as the housing question is complex, demanding much more cross-sector thinking. But this type of approach is something conspicuously absent in contemporary … Continue reading “The disintegration of planning policy”
Category: Policy
Fuelling City-Regions, why skills matter
Introduction from Professor Anne Green: Issues relating to skills are at the forefront of topical debates about economic prosperity, productivity and inclusive growth. While policy makers at national and sub-national levels have long been concerned with skills levels, skills shortage and skills gaps, devolution and the development of an Industrial Strategy recognising the importance of … Continue reading “Fuelling City-Regions, why skills matter”
West Midlands’ Service exports to the EU: Brexit will not be the same for every region
On July 11, the ONS has released its estimates of regional Service exports for GB regions. The release is here – https://goo.gl/4d7Kjx Doing one of my favourite things and turning absolute figures to percentages, a number of interesting insights come up. Below, the commentary focuses only on Manufacturing; Wholesale and Motor Trades; Information and Communication; … Continue reading “West Midlands’ Service exports to the EU: Brexit will not be the same for every region”
The significance of a place-based industrial strategy for the West Midlands
A place-based approach to industrial strategy frames the first report published by the Industrial Strategy Commission, an independent body established by the Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute (SPERI) and Policy@Manchester. Place is central in two ways. First, it is identified as one of seven ‘foundational’ themes that the industrial strategy must be built on. Second … Continue reading “The significance of a place-based industrial strategy for the West Midlands”
May I be so Bold? A Plan for the New West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor
This post was written by Chris Bouch for Urban Living Birmingham. When one looks at Andy Street’s potted history on Wikipedia, it is difficult not to be impressed: Oxford; past Managing Director at John Lewis Partnership; past chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership; Commander of the British Empire for services to … Continue reading “May I be so Bold? A Plan for the New West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor”
Increasing productivity in the agriculture sector via UK satellite applications
The government’s plan to secure growth in the UK’s £13.7bn space industry was outlined in the Queen’s Speech last Wednesday (21st June 2017). The plan involved “enabling [scientists] to launch from UK soil” and updating legislation to “offer the UK’s world-leading small satellite companies new options for low-cost, reliable access to space”. This pledge followed … Continue reading “Increasing productivity in the agriculture sector via UK satellite applications”
City-regions need great universities as strong and committed ‘anchor institutions’
City-REDI has published the first in their series of briefing papers. This paper looks at the role of universities as key ‘anchor institutions’ for enhancing the economic, social and cultural offer of a place and its wider region. Please see the full briefing here. Following a discussion of the policy context and the role of universities … Continue reading “City-regions need great universities as strong and committed ‘anchor institutions’”
After the [Metro Mayor’s] Election is Over……..
In this blog, Mike Grace from Birmingham City University reflects on the election of the West Midland’s first Metro Mayor. The 4th May 2017 has come and gone and Andy Street is the first and the new Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority. Congratulations, as it must have been difficult to pitch for this … Continue reading “After the [Metro Mayor’s] Election is Over……..”
What should be at the top of the agenda of the next UK government?
With the UK election on the 8th June nearing, City-REDI’s Professor Simon Collinson proposes what he thinks should be the top 3 priorities for the next UK government once in post. In this short video, Professor Simon Collinson speaks about the need for the next UK government to be getting the Brexit negotiations right, taking seriously a regional … Continue reading “What should be at the top of the agenda of the next UK government?”
Conservatives talk tough but bring nothing new on immigration
The Conservatives commitment to controlling immigration has regularly been questioned after they repeatedly failed to meet their net migration target. Now, the party’s election manifesto outlines its immigration policies for the next parliament, and how they would be implemented. The Conservatives are proposing to keep their “ambition” of delivering annual net migration in the tens of thousands, which … Continue reading “Conservatives talk tough but bring nothing new on immigration”