This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. View previous editions.
If you have a piece of research that you would like to be featured in Policy News, please get in touch.
Government
| Title | Details | Deadline |
| How can the rural economy prosper under devolution? | The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse has this week opened a call for evidence, encouraging stakeholders to submit evidence on topics including skills, economic growth and housing. | The closing date for evidence is 13 October 2025 |
Reports
| Title | Details | Published |
| Hyperlocal Digital Inclusion | Report from the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) | September 2025 |
| East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission final report | Mayor Claire Ward and council leaders across the region appointed the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) to run the high-profile commission. | September 2025 |
| Neighbouring Data 2023 | A series of reports from AHRC-funded And Towns that draws together and amplifies place-based data on pride, culture, heritage, health and wellbeing. | September 2025 |
| A story of participation: regeneration with residents and locals | Report from the Young Foundation | September 2025 |
| Policy landscape 2025 | A report by the Resolution Foundation and UK in a Changing Europe | September 2025 |
| From Whitehall to townhall: what’s missing from the English Devolution Bill | Report from Compass | August 2025 |
| New house rules: the case for devolving Homes England | Report from Re:State | August 2025 |
| Why place matters: neighbourhood effects on crime and anti-social behaviour | Evidence and policy review for the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods | August 2025 |
| How Can Urban Wealth Funds and Regional Wealth Funds Help UK Regions to Rejuvenate? | Occasional paper from NIESR | August 2025 |
| Sustainable Communities: Findings from the resident interviews | Report from the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion | August 2025 |
| Centralisation, local decline and the future of community power | Essay by Localis | July 2025 |
| How Universities Can Help Drive Local and Regional Economies | Report by the Institute of Economic Development and AtkinsRéalis | July 2025 |
Events
| Title | Details | Date |
| The Productivity Institute – Regional & Local Inequality in the Midlands Webinar | Regional economic inequalities across the East and West Midlands continue to hold back productivity and growth. This webinar brings together leading experts to explore these challenges and share practical, place-based solutions. | 26 Sep 2025 | 12.00-13.00 BST | MS Teams |
| Briefing launch – Town and Gown: the role of universities in city economies | Centre for Cities briefing event | 10 September 2025, 11:00 – 11:45. Online |
Find out more about the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub. If you have a piece of research that you would like to be featured in Policy News, please get in touch.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the authors and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.