The UK’s economy is driven by the success of its largest cities and towns, which generate opportunities and prosperity for people in all parts of the country.
Our mission is to help the UK’s largest cities and towns realise their economic potential.
We produce rigorous, data-driven research and policy ideas to help cities, large towns and Government address the challenges and opportunities they face – from boosting productivity and wages to preparing for the changing world of work.
We also work closely with urban leaders, Whitehall and business to ensure our work is relevant, accessible and of practical use to cities, large towns and policy makers.
In partnership with LSE, we run the What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth, which analyses which policies are most effective in supporting and increasing local economic growth.
The Centre was first established in March 2005 as a team within the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). Following a successful initial phase at IPPR, the Centre became an independent company in April 2007. It is a registered charity (No. 1119841) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 6215397).
As well as providing a deep dive into the latest economic data on the UK’s cities and largest towns, this year our flagship publication focuses on the scale and geography of economic inactivity across the country.
Compared to other European countries, Britain has a backlog of millions of homes that are missing from the housing market. Building these homes is key to solving the nation's housing crisis.
This report maps out the current geography of the new economy and calls for the creation of a £14.5 billion growth package to build innovation districts in Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester.
This report examined whether intra-urban public transport played a role in the underperformance of big British cities and set out the implications that transport had for the previous Government's levelling up agenda.
The UK has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This report sets out what needs to change if cities and large towns are to lead the way in helping the Government achieve this goal.
Drawing lessons from London and cities overseas, Centre for Cities puts forward seven areas UK cities must consider if they are to bring public transport ridership up to European levels.
