Why “security” should be more than a buzzword for Labour
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Regional Development
Reporting and commentary on the government’s levelling up agenda.
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Recent articles
How can Labour create a fair deal for renters?
The UK's housing sector is broken, with millions of people now spending at least half their monthly income on…
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The net zero transition is not a silver bullet
Green industrial strategy could benefit some poorer communities, but it's no panacea for decades of underinvestment.
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It’s time to recognise the link between housing and health
There needs to be a renewed focus on how good quality homes can act as an effective public health…
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The council debt crisis is of the government’s own making
The abolition of the Audit Commission, and the squeeze on local authority budgets, has doubled the sector's liabilities.
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Successive Tory governments have abandoned workers
The shadow minister for business, employment rights and levelling up on Labour's plans for economic renewal.
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What does the North East devolution deal mean for the region?
Labour candidate Kim McGuinness, independent Jamie Driscoll, and experts from the region discuss the largest devolution agreement to date.
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Delivering decarbonisation and regional growth
A cohesive national strategy on net zero can invigorate all parts of the UK.
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Exclusive polling: councillors give their verdict on 14 years of Tory rule
As voters head to the polling booths today, 280 English councillors report that the local government sector is in…
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What does Labour’s South Yorkshire metro mayor stand for?
Oliver Coppard is up for re-election on 2 May, but he doesn't readily betray a big, defining political project.
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How to save local government without breaking the bank
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We need to decentralise the NHS
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Unlocking the potential of a national asset, St Pancras International
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What role would mayors play under a Labour government?
The opposition has promised a wave of devolution in England.
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The Research Brief: UK housing cannot cope with hotter summers
Your weekly dose of policy thinking.
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“Austerity has returned”: The expert verdict on Jeremy Hunt’s Budget
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An insider’s view of Nottingham City Council
A member of the effectively bankrupt local authority on life after a Section 114 notice.
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New devolution deals announced at annual “Gove-fest”
The Levelling Up Secretary stole the show by ceding to a key Labour demand.
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What can history teach us about policymaking?
In an era of “post-policy politics”, politicians should look to the past for inspiration – and warnings.
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Waste collection and library services are at risk of severe cutbacks
Ahead of the Budget next week, local authorities have warned Chancellor Jeremy Hunt of extreme cost pressures.
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Did Blackpool South’s gamble on the Tories pay off?
Voters in Scott Benton's constituency reflect on the "levelling up" agenda.
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Five solutions to the council finance crisis
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Pride of place is an economic issue
Civic identity, core to the government’s Levelling-up and Regeneration Act, relies on investment in public infrastructure.
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English councils are facing an “out-of-control” financial crisis
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The Research Brief: Why centralised funding is a waste of public money
Your weekly dose of policy thinking.
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Financial pressures are taking a toll on council staff
New polling reveals poor training, accountability and overwork in local authorities.
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The Research Brief: How the average Briton became £10,200 worse off
Your weekly dose of policy thinking.
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Council bankruptcy tracker: authorities under increasing financial strain
Six local authorities have declared bankruptcy since 2021. Spotlight looks at the financial situation at English councils.
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How the local government finance settlement would leave poorer authorities worse off
Conservative MPs are demanding emergency funding in response to devolved finance proposals that penalise poorer councils.
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We need long-term investment in critical national infrastructure
From the UK’s energy grid to its waterways and transport systems, the government must make concrete plans for steady…
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Labour will not bring HS2 to Manchester – what does Andy Burnham think?
The Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham challenges Keir Starmer to commit to “true” Northern Powerhouse Rail.
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Why Michael Gove’s planning reforms won’t deliver sustainable housing
The Housing Secretary’s new planning framework for England does little to encourage net zero development.
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Gove dodges questions on Teesworks controversy and defends freeports
The Levelling Up Secretary refused to confirm a date for reporting on potential wrongdoing in Tees Valley.
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What does it mean when a council declares bankruptcy?
Local governments across England are worried about their finances, and we should be too.
By Selling off assets won’t stop council bankruptcies
The government hopes someone else will deal with the problem of inadequate local authority funding.
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What are the key questions Labour needs to answer in 2024?
As we head into an election year, Keir Starmer still has to win over the electorate on a plethora…
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Grenfell shocked us all, but the UK still doesn’t take fire safety seriously
The poor and disadvantaged are forced to live in unsafe or overcrowded housing – regulation needs to catch up.
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Labour’s publicly controlled buses policy is vital – but it’s only the first step
Transport for London-style franchising will improve local services. But councils need to open decision-making to the public.
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Exclusive: More than a third of councillors say recreational, leisure and cultural services have been cut since 2010
Amid bankruptcies and lack of funding, Spotlight polling reveals that libraries, leisure centres and parks are all being sidelined.
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