In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the next blog of the series, Darja Reuschke discusses her recent report about understanding young women’s multiple jobs. One in four young women in Great Britain have worked more than one job over the course of a … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: When One Job Isn’t Enough — Understanding Young Women’s Multiple Jobholding”
Tag: Cost of Living
Poverty Alleviation in Greater Birmingham: Risks to Watch, Opportunities to Seize
The Birmingham Economic Review is out now! This year’s report will provide a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy amid the wider geopolitical landscape, and actionable measures that businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2025. Dr Gerardo Javier Arriaga Garcia examines the … Continue reading “Poverty Alleviation in Greater Birmingham: Risks to Watch, Opportunities to Seize”
Can West Midlanders Afford to Live Solo? A Local Take on the Carrie Bradshaw Index
In September 2025, The Economist updated the Carrie Bradshaw Index, a playful yet insightful measure of housing affordability for solo renters across 100 U.S. cities. Named after the iconic character from Sex and the City, the index compares median incomes to the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment, essentially asking: where can you afford to … Continue reading “Can West Midlanders Afford to Live Solo? A Local Take on the Carrie Bradshaw Index”
REDI-Updates: How Does the Cost-Of-Living Crisis Impact People’s Health and Well-Being?
The latest edition of REDI-Updates is out now – providing expert data insights and clear policy guidance. In this edition, the WMREDI team investigates what factors are contributing to the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it is having on households, businesses, public services and the third sector. We also look at how the crisis in … Continue reading “REDI-Updates: How Does the Cost-Of-Living Crisis Impact People’s Health and Well-Being?”
International Students in the West Midlands: The Costs, Benefits, and Housing Implications
Summer intern Dimas Almaruf presents the first part of a two-part series of blogs on the economic impact of international students in the UK. Part I sets the scene by providing the number of students in the region. Introduction The United Kingdom has long been a favourite destination for international students to pursue their higher … Continue reading “International Students in the West Midlands: The Costs, Benefits, and Housing Implications”
Autumn Statement 2023 – Key Announcements
Alice Pugh looks at the OBR Economic Fiscal Outlook and breaks down the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announcement from yesterday. On the day of the budget economic forecasts for the next 5 years are released by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). These forecasts are important as they show the impact that the new Autumn statement … Continue reading “Autumn Statement 2023 – Key Announcements”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 13 September 2023
This month there is another natural disaster; rescue efforts are ongoing after a powerful earthquake struck central Morocco on Friday night just after 11pm. The death toll has soared to more than 2,000, with a similar number of injured. Inflation continues to be an issue globally post-pandemic. Heatwaves, fires and floods are hitting key supply … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 13 September 2023”
REDI Updates: What is the Cost-of-living Crisis?
The latest edition of REDI-Updates is out now – providing expert data insights and clear policy guidance. In this edition, the WMREDI team investigates what factors are contributing to the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it is having on households, businesses, public services and the third sector. We also look at how the crisis in … Continue reading “REDI Updates: What is the Cost-of-living Crisis?”
West Midlands Impact Monitor – 27th April 2023
This month US President Joe Biden has announced he will run for re-election in 2024, seeking a second Presidential term. War has returned to Sudan, potentially leading to a greater humanitarian crisis in the region. Overall key features of the economic outlook remain the cost of living crisis and inflation. Economy Latest data shows there … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 27th April 2023”
The Green Economy in Birmingham and the West Midlands
Professor Martin Freer discusses what the region needs to do to meet net zero targets. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2022. 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 … Continue reading “The Green Economy in Birmingham and the West Midlands”