Welcome to the second edition of REDI Updates. Recently we spoke to the Rt Hon Chris Pincher MP, Housing Minister at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, about the role housebuilding has in the UK’s recovery from COVID-19. Here’s what he said: This has been the most testing period in recent history. But … Continue reading “The REDI Interview: The Role of Housebuilding in the UK’s Recovery From COVID-19”
Category: Regions
Good Work and the COVID-19 Crisis
In this blog, Professor Anne Green looks at the concept of ‘Good Work’, exploring the varying definitions, and its impact on both employers and employees and what they can both do to influence the situation. Context In 2019 national employment rates rose to historically high levels. In Great Britain, the employment rate for 16-64 year … Continue reading “Good Work and the COVID-19 Crisis”
The Complexity of Local Government in England: The West Midlands’ Rubik’s Cube
In our latest blog, Dr Charlotte Hoole unpicks the complex world of the local government systems and explains how the different tiers and authorities for each region inter-relate. Back in 2006, the then head of communications at the New Local Government Network was quoted in the Guardian as saying “the complexity of local government is … Continue reading “The Complexity of Local Government in England: The West Midlands’ Rubik’s Cube”
The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Older Workers
Professor Anne Green looks at the impact of the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown on the employment prospects of different age groups, focusing particularly on older workers and the challenges they face should they get made redundant. Introduction Much of the policy response in the wake of Covid-19 has focused on the plight of young people. … Continue reading “The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Older Workers”
Policy Briefing – Economic Recovery Post COVID-19: The MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (REAP)
In this policy briefing, Dr Chloe Billing, on behalf of the West Midlands MIT REAP team, discusses the development and analysis of a set of indicators to assess the capability to support Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the West Midlands region. In March 2020, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) launched a pilot in the UK … Continue reading “Policy Briefing – Economic Recovery Post COVID-19: The MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (REAP)”
Regions in a Time of Pandemic
Professor Raquel Ortega Argiles, writing for WM REDI looks at how the pandemic and lockdowns have disproportionately affected more deprived areas, both in terms of health and finance, as well as other factors including the environment and working conditions. This blog is based on the last editorial of Regional Studies “Regions in a time of … Continue reading “Regions in a Time of Pandemic”
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 28th August 2020
WM REDI has been tasked with providing an up to date monitor of the current COVID-19 economic impacts, on a weekly basis. These reports will help regional partners to shape responses and interventions to boost the region’s resilience so that it can thrive going forward. Each week the focus of the report relates to research … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 28th August 2020”
Regional Assets and COVID-19 Impacts
This blog is based on a review of assets carried out as part of the Midlands Engine Independent Economic Review and the development of LEP profiles. We have also looked at what the major risks are to those assets going forward. You can find full details in the State of the Region 2020. Tourism Assets … Continue reading “Regional Assets and COVID-19 Impacts”
West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 21st August 2020
WM REDI has been tasked with providing an up to date monitor of the current COVID-19 economic impacts, on a weekly basis. These reports will help regional partners to shape responses and interventions to boost the region’s resilience so that it can thrive going forward. Each week the focus of the report relates to research … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 21st August 2020”
Devolution and Local Recovery
Kevin Johnson, Managing Director of strategic communications firm Urban Communications, looks at the Government’s upcoming White Paper on Devolution. Will the government propose to increase powers for local authorities or continue a policy of delegation rather than devolution? The Government is set to publish a White Paper this Autumn on Devolution. As well as building … Continue reading “Devolution and Local Recovery”