What if nature recovery wasn’t a “nice to have”, but a foundation of regional development? What if parish councils, farmers, and local communities were recognised as national assets rather than peripheral actors? And what if the future of England’s economy depended not only on cities, but on the rural places that quietly sustain them? In … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 13 – Planting Trees You’ll Never Sit Under: Why Nature Recovery Is Central to Regional Development”
Policy News – April 2026
This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. It is updated every week. View previous editions. If you have a piece of research you would like to feature in Policy News, please get in touch. Reports from Parliament Title Details Published Public engagement with the … Continue reading “Policy News – April 2026”
What AI Is (and Isn’t) Delivering for Local Government
Kevin Fenning discusses his new report looking at the use of AI in local government. Read the report – AI in Local Government: Adoption, Benefits and Challenges Artificial intelligence (AI) will be one of the defining technologies of the 21st century, offering the potential to massively expand the capabilities of computers, and likely ushering in … Continue reading “What AI Is (and Isn’t) Delivering for Local Government”
Using Arts-Based Methods To Bring Community, Business and Environmental Issues Into Dialogue
LPIP Fellow Allan Macleod introduces himself and the work planned during his place fellowship for the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub. I am passionate about helping community voices to be heard in policymaking and believe that research and community-based policymaking is the best way to deliver a more just and equal future for all. In my work … Continue reading “Using Arts-Based Methods To Bring Community, Business and Environmental Issues Into Dialogue”
Skills for the Future: Demand for and Supply of High-Skilled Labour Across England
Dr Kostas Kollydas discusses his recent LPIP Hub study, which maps employer demand for higher-level qualifications, the supply of residents with these qualifications, and the resulting demand-supply gaps across England’s 38 Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) areas. Read the full report. Background Local skills systems face a long-standing challenge in that employer demand for skills … Continue reading “Skills for the Future: Demand for and Supply of High-Skilled Labour Across England”
Dialling Up Democracy: Renewing Trust Through Civic Innovation
Mark Swift discusses how participatory governance and democratic innovation can help rebuild trust in public life. This article draws on a policy working paper exploring how democratic innovation can strengthen trust, participation and governance in the UK. The full paper examines these ideas in greater depth and outlines practical pathways for “dialling up democracy” in the … Continue reading “Dialling Up Democracy: Renewing Trust Through Civic Innovation”
Why Skills Matter in Place-Based Green Industrial Policy
Dr Ed Atkins explores the experiences of MG Rover workers after the closure of the Longbridge plant and draws parallels to green skills policies today. This blog is based on a recent report by Dr Atkins – Skills Matter in Place-Based Green Industrial Policy: Lessons From the Closure of MG Rover, 2000-2005 Net zero has … Continue reading “Why Skills Matter in Place-Based Green Industrial Policy”
Policy News – March 2026
This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. It is updated every week. View previous editions. If you have a piece of research you would like to feature in Policy News, please get in touch. Reports and publications – Parliament Title Details Published Flying blind: … Continue reading “Policy News – March 2026”
Placecast Episode 12: Long Games and Local Places: How Rural Policy Really Changes with Michael Woods
In the latest episode of Placecast, Professor Michael Woods, Director of the Cymru Wledig LPIP (Rural Wales), offers a rich and thoughtful journey through Welsh devolution, rural policy, and the power of deeply embedded place-based research. It’s a conversation that blends decades of academic insight with a grounded understanding of how communities, policymakers, and researchers … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 12: Long Games and Local Places: How Rural Policy Really Changes with Michael Woods”
MHCLG Appraisal Guide Update 2026
Recently, HM Treasury released the updated version of the Green Book following the 2025 Green Book review. Alongside the release of the Green Book, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has also released the MHCLG Appraisal Guidance. Whilst the majority of those with experience in the public sector are well-versed in the Green … Continue reading “MHCLG Appraisal Guide Update 2026”