Cities make a huge contribution to the UK’s prosperity. They account for around 60 per cent of jobs, business starts and growth in the economy. Yet, there is huge regional variation in this: cities in Southern England are almost 50 per cent more productive than those elsewhere in the UK.
If politicians seeking the public’s votes on 12 December want to make Britain a more prosperous and productive place to live then the economic performance of cities needs to be considered at this election.
London's acute housing shortage is an exceptional circumstance. To resolve the housing crisis, Centre for Cities and London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) urge the new government to work with the mayor and other stakeholders in London to carry out an honest review of the green belt.
Two big domestic issues that the next government will be pressed to address are the UK economy’s poor productivity performance and the north-south divide. Paul Swinney argues that these challenges are one of the same.
Not all high streets are struggling — those that are thriving are doing so because they function well as places of work. For this reason, policies to address the decline of high streets must also address the underlying economic causes if they are to be success.
Two-thirds of the future 2030 workforce have already left compulsory education. It will therefore be impossible to fix the UK's skills shortages and improve productivity without a complete shift in culture towards adult education and lifelong learning.
The next Government should set out a clear plan for ensuring that all of the existing metro mayors, and any new ones created, are given powers and resources comparable to their international counterparts. This means powers to alter council tax bands, retain and pool a share of stamp duty and business rates, and introduce new taxes.
If politicians want to make Britain a more prosperous and productive place to live then improving the economic performance of cities needs to be central to the next government’s plan.
When it comes to devolution, the Tory plans need more elaboration while Labour is taking a more centralist tone, says Director of Policy and Research Paul Swinney.
When the UK goes to the polls on 12 December, how much difference will where people live make to how likely they are to vote? Paul Swinney looks at which towns and cities had the highest and lowest turnouts in 2017.
Whoever wins in Westminster on December 12th, the buck now stops with metro mayors for the quality of bus services in their city, argues Simon Jeffrey.
What is the relationship between housing and cities? Ahead of the General Election, Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, explores the policies and problems.
To boost the economy, reduce inequality, and address the causes of Brexit, the next government should focus on not just boosting national housebuilding numbers, but on planning reform to ensure that those new houses are located in the cities with the highest demand.
Elena Magrini calls for a cross-party, long-term commitment to adult education and lifelong learning to reengage ‘left behind’ people and places.
The whole country will suffer if the freedoms of England's devolved mayors are limited, warns Chief Executive Andrew Carter.
Showing 1–9 of 9 results.
One joy of a rare winter election is that it is now only four and a half months until the next chance for people to vote: May 2020 will see nearly 17 million people in England choosing city-region...
Whoever wins in Westminster on December 12th, the buck now stops with metro mayors for the quality of bus services in their city, argues Simon Jeffrey.
More state more growth? The economic implications of moving parts of the government to the North.
Harlow, a new town just outside of London, has very good cycling infrastructure. The 17-minute walk from the train station into the town centre gives any new visitor a flavour for this, as the...
A five point plan to improve cities' prosperity and re-balance the national economy.
The next Government should prioritise urban transport improvements and give cities the power to deliver them.
Not all high streets are struggling — those that are thriving are doing so because they function well as places of work. For this reason, policies to address the decline of high streets must also address the underlying economic causes if they are to be success.
If politicians want to solve the housing crisis, they need to target housebuilding in the most expensive cities, argues Anthony Breach.
Two big domestic issues that the next government will be pressed to address are the UK economy’s poor productivity performance and the north-south divide. Paul Swinney argues that these challenges are one of the same.