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
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Title |
Details |
Published |
| Unwilling to reskill? Experimental Evidence from Real-World Jobseeker | The study finds that Italian jobseekers’ willingness to reskill depends largely on perceived identity fit and expected returns, with light-touch information interventions significantly boosting interest and engagement in training for high-demand occupations. | |
| Jeffrey Anderson and Andy Westwood argue that the broader economic and political context for place-based policymaking has changed dramatically in the last few years. | January 2026 | |
| The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by the University of Birmingham’s City-REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second city and a high-quality resource for informing research, policy and investment decisions. | ||
| A recent event, hosted by Urban Retrofit, saw the presentation of Professor Yvonne Rydin’s recent book “Planning without Growth”. Exploring alternative approaches to planning, Prof. Rydin argues that the dominant economy-led model of planning leaves local economic development and any social or environmental benefits dependent on wider economic conditions. | ||
| What does it really mean to grow a place? This episode unpacks the concept of place-based productivity and explores how it differs from traditional regional development. The discussion examines real-world examples and whether this approach works everywhere, from rural towns to major metropolitan areas. | ||
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Noise and nuance: What the public really thinks about immigration |
This report from UK think tank British Future explores what the public really thinks about immigration. | |
| This report from UK think tank the Resolution Foundation assesses the UK’s growth challenge 18 months into the new parliament. | January 2026 | |
| Cities Outlook 2026 | This report from UK think tank Centre for Cities focuses on the cities that offer lessons for a government looking to raise living standards everywhere. | January 2026 |