Project Spotlight: Socio-Economic Impact Model for the UK (SEIM-UK)

In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI and WMREDI. In the first blog from this series, we look at SEIM-UK, an economic model that City-REDI has used to assess the economic impact of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the impact of Council tax cuts, and help … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: Socio-Economic Impact Model for the UK (SEIM-UK)”

Tax Rises Less Regressive Than Spending Cuts – How Does the Council Financial Crisis Impact Households?

There is increasing concern about the financial viability of some local authorities with estimates by the LGA suggesting that councils in England are facing a funding gap of £4 billion. In 2023 Birmingham City Council (BCC) was served a section 114 notice. This means that effectively the council ran out of money. In short, BCC … Continue reading “Tax Rises Less Regressive Than Spending Cuts – How Does the Council Financial Crisis Impact Households?”

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?”

What Could the £4 billion Expansion of Childcare Support mean for the West Midlands Economy?

In the 2023 Spring Statement the UK Government announced plans to expand free childcare to children between 9 months and 2 years old. Matt Lyons and Abi Taylor investigate what this could mean for the West Midlands. The UK Government announced a £4bn childcare expansion policy in England. Key objectives of the policy include removing … Continue reading “What Could the £4 billion Expansion of Childcare Support mean for the West Midlands Economy?”

Podcast: The Economic and Social Impacts of Mega-Events

With the World Cup finishing this weekend, Professor Calvin Jones and Dr Matt Lyons discuss what are the economic and social impacts of mega-events and how can they be effectively measured. What do countries gain from hosting events like the World Cup or the Commonwealth Games? This podcast was inspired by the Birmingham Economic Review … Continue reading “Podcast: The Economic and Social Impacts of Mega-Events”

Meet Matt Lyons, City-REDI / WMREDI’s New Research Fellow

I joined the City-REDI team as a research fellow in May 2021. The focus of my role is to develop and exploit the economic modelling capabilities of the institute. Prior to joining City-REDI, I have had the opportunity to work with different organisations across diverse research areas. In 2018, I worked at a London-based not-for-profit … Continue reading “Meet Matt Lyons, City-REDI / WMREDI’s New Research Fellow”