Economic growth
Devolution needs to be more ‘Kevin Keegan’
If the UK wants to emerge from its ‘odd decade’ into a better place, it must use devolution to boost the economic potential of its regions, says Henry Kippin.
Call for evidence boosted in local economic policy
Centre for Cities has called for more evidence to be at the heart of local economic policy making.
Clear objectives needed for levelling up
Central Government needs to set clear objectives for national programmes like levelling up, says chief executive of the Centre for Cities think-tank, Andrew Carter.
Labour’s local vision for growth
Adam Fineberg says Labour’s new localist Industrial Strategy is a manifesto aimed at reaping the benefits of more widely distributed growth across the country.
Wakefield’s in-between spaces
Wakefield’s Urban Greening Strategy sets out an ambition to transform the city centre by reconsidering the approach to using space between buildings. Mark Lynam explains.
Ready for a bright new dawn?
Rachel Reeves’ Mais lecture represented a clear shift away from New Labour towards an active state, a muscular industrial strategy and ambitious regional policy, say Mike Emmerich and Ben Lucas.
Experts in fresh push for fiscal devolution
An independent group of experts is preparing to pile pressure on ministers to back fiscal devolution, The MJ understands.
Recruitment conundrums and economic development
A key challenge for councils building economic development teams is understanding where to prioritise the service skills, while many candidates are opting for the contractor market, says Penna.
We don’t need a Lyons’ 2.0
With the seminal 2007 Lyons Review in focus, Ben Franklin and Annabel Smith look at why place-shaping has captured the zeitgeist and argue local government does not need another review, and should instead 'get on and do it'.
Getting Britain building again
The Purposeful Finance Commission’s recommendation that businesses raise a target of £22.5m to help unblock urban infrastructure projects is an investment rather than a cost, says Tracy Blackwell.
Growth matters
Tom Stannard talks to Ann McGauran about why strengthening local government’s economic development and regeneration role is crucial if the UK is to drive forward on growth.
The threat from bank and building society closures
More than half of all bank and building society branches have closed since 2015 – nearly 6,000 in total. This has significant implications both for financial inclusion and our high streets.
Fresh wave of devolution could reduce regional inequalities, says report
An overhaul of the local government system and a fresh wave of devolution have been put forward as solutions to regional inequalities in a report.
Economic growth with local talent at the fore
With 22,000 civil service jobs moving out of London there are real opportunities for local authorities to work with the Government Property Agency to kickstart economic growth. Alan Whitelaw explains.
The search for the Holy Grail of growth
In an exclusive interview, Lord Heseltine, the longstanding advocate of elected mayors, tells Michael Burton why powerful, devolved local government is essential for delivering the growth agenda.
‘There’s no national growth without local growth’
With an eye on the upcoming Budget and the General Election, Greg Clark outlines why local government must have a prominent place in any plan for UK economic growth.
Heseltine and Clark hit out over LEPs
Two former Conservative Cabinet ministers have hit out at plans to wind up England’s 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP).
Time for a new economic playbook for place
More than ever, place-making needs to be at the centre of what councils do and not at a single spatial level. A coherent national plan is needed, says Robin Tuddenham.
Rocket-booster for the UK’s economy
Newcastle, ‘backbone of the UK economy’, is powered by unique natural assets and a drive to innovate that is fundamental to the future prospects of the UK and the wider world. Cllr Nick Kemp explains.
Levelling up must continue, urges think-tank
Efforts to level up the country and devolve more powers to local government should continue following the General Election, a think-tank has urged.
