The UK has historically failed to learn important lessons from European countries on spatial rebalancing. It has recently acknowledged the need for effective local institutions and a long-term national strategy, but its asymmetric approach is unlikely to reduce geographic inequality. The failure of levelling up When the previous UK government launched its levelling up agenda … Continue reading “Geographic Inequalities in an Era of Unequal Devolution”
From Challenge to Change: How Social Impact is revitalising Ladywood’s economic viability
Ladywood, one of Birmingham’s most socioeconomically challenged wards, is undergoing a quiet transformation. This blog by Michele Wilby, CEO of Colmore Business District (BID), explores the current economic state of Birmingham with a spotlight on Ladywood, highlighting how targeted social impact initiatives, especially those focused on youth, are creating new pathways to opportunity and prosperity. … Continue reading “From Challenge to Change: How Social Impact is revitalising Ladywood’s economic viability”
City-REDI Round-up – June 2025
This blog summarises the reports City-REDI have put out in June 2025. Catch up on all the latest reports and projects in one place. No UK party currently has what it takes to end poverty, research finds: ‘We need a radical rethink’ Research Fellow Dr Gerardo Javier Arriaga-Garcia has been mentioned in The Big Issue, … Continue reading “City-REDI Round-up – June 2025”
From Tick Box to Toolbox: Rethinking the Green Book
Professor Rebecca Riley looks at the UK Treasury’s Green Book guidance, arguing that while it’s a valuable decision-making tool, it’s often misused or misunderstood, leading to poor public investment outcomes and calling for better training and cultural change. It’s been an interesting few weeks in Green Book land following the report on the Treasury’s review. … Continue reading “From Tick Box to Toolbox: Rethinking the Green Book”
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”
Exploring Emerging and Future Opportunities in the West Midlands Combined Authority Region
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has published “West Midlands Futures – Exploring Emerging and Future Opportunities in the West Midlands Combined Authority Region”, a study completed by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) and City-REDI team. Making Place-based Futures in the West Midlands In August 2022, the WMCA published the West Midlands Plan for Growth. … Continue reading “Exploring Emerging and Future Opportunities in the West Midlands Combined Authority Region”
Project Spotlight: The BBC in the West Midlands: A Vital Cultural and Economic Force
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the latest blog, we examine the work of Dr Matthew Lyons and Dr Huanjia Ma with BOP Consulting, assessing the likely future economic contribution of the BBC to the West Midlands due to renewed investment in the … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: The BBC in the West Midlands: A Vital Cultural and Economic Force”
Undercounting Women’s Work: The Hidden Reality of Multiple Jobholding
The ADR UK multiple employment project, headed by City-REDI’s Dr Darja Reuschke, reveals that official employment figures underestimate women’s contribution to the UK labour market. By failing to account for multiple jobholding — especially common among women — the data risks misleading policymakers, employers, and economists. A Misperceived Picture of Part-Time Work Official statistics suggest … Continue reading “Undercounting Women’s Work: The Hidden Reality of Multiple Jobholding”
What does the 2025 Spending Review mean for Place-Based Economic Development?
One year on from winning the General Election, the Labour Government have outlined its spending review for 2025. Over the course of the Government’s first year, headlines about public finances have focused on tightening budgets. On the one hand, this Spending Review follows in a similar vein. But there are also relatively significant increases in … Continue reading “What does the 2025 Spending Review mean for Place-Based Economic Development?”
Strengthening the UK’s R&D workforce: Insights from a DSIT–City-REDI research collaboration
This blog shares details from a recent research paper published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The study explores long-term trends, challenges, and future skills needs in the R&D workforce. Introduction A strong research and development (R&D) workforce is vital for the UK. Skilled R&D professionals play a crucial role in driving … Continue reading “Strengthening the UK’s R&D workforce: Insights from a DSIT–City-REDI research collaboration”