Public Transport and Access to Healthcare in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas

Sara Hassan summarises the key takeaways from literature on public transport and healthcare services accessibility with a special focus on disadvantaged and deprived areas. Public transport (PT) is very important in terms of providing independence for groups of people who ‎cannot drive, cycle or walk; it provides them with the chance to access services such … Continue reading “Public Transport and Access to Healthcare in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas”

HS2: A Vital Catalyst for Growth

Mark Thurston highlights the importance of the HS2 rail line for Birmingham and the West Midlands.  This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of … Continue reading “HS2: A Vital Catalyst for Growth”

Birmingham Clean Air Zone: Objectives, Challenges and Opportunities

Dr Magda Cepeda Zorrilla discusses the health reasons for implementing clean air zones, the high levels of air pollution in the West Midlands and the Birmingham Clean Air Zone. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham … Continue reading “Birmingham Clean Air Zone: Objectives, Challenges and Opportunities”

An Urban Transport Recovery Plan for the West Midlands

Welcome to REDI-Updates. REDI-Updates is a bi-annual publication which will get behind the data and translate it into understandable terms. In this edition, WM REDI staff and guest contributors will discuss some of the key topics when trying to understand the long-term economic impacts of the pandemic.  In this article, Dr Magda Cepeda Zorrilla looks at … Continue reading “An Urban Transport Recovery Plan for the West Midlands”

A Safe Return to the Classroom and Work in the West Midlands During the COVID-19 Pandemic

What can central and local government do to ensure safe transport to work and school during the COVID-19 pandemic to safeguard the well-being of workers and children? Dr Magda Cepeda Zorrilla looks at the evidence and possible solutions. Getting young people back to school has been set as a priority by the Transport for West Midlands … Continue reading “A Safe Return to the Classroom and Work in the West Midlands During the COVID-19 Pandemic”

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”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 7th 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 – 7th August 2020”

Geographical and Social Mobility

Professor Anne Green investigates social mobility, both within classes and geographically reviewing how factors such as education, housing, internal migration, and socio-economic and cultural backgrounds makes a difference to people’s opportunities. Introduction On 23rd July the Social Mobility Commission published an important report entitled ‘Moving Out to Move On’ investigating the link between internal migration … Continue reading “Geographical and Social Mobility”

Measuring the Distance to the Sustainable Development Goals in the UK Regions: How Is the West Midlands Performing?

In this blog, Professor Raquel Ortega-Argilés discusses the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) introduced by the United Nations in their 2030 Agenda. How the UK and the West Midlands is performing in comparison to other regions, and what impact COVID-19 will have on meeting these goals.  In September 2015, the General Assembly of the United … Continue reading “Measuring the Distance to the Sustainable Development Goals in the UK Regions: How Is the West Midlands Performing?”

Better Transport Infrastructure Can Increase Well-Being in the West Midlands

Welcome to REDI-Updates. REDI-Updates is a bi-annual publication which will get behind the data and translate it into understandable terms. WM REDI staff and guest contributors will discuss various topics, with this first publication focusing on how inclusive growth can be a tool to tackle regional imbalances across the UK. In this article, Dr Magda Capeda … Continue reading “Better Transport Infrastructure Can Increase Well-Being in the West Midlands”