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
The first thing Labour should do with power? Give it away
We need to rewire our politics to create the fairer society Labour was formed to strive for.
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In austerity Britain, councils have sold off billions in public assets
We are still paying the price for cuts to public services – we must boost power locally to redress…
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How are new rail networks boosting the economy?
Alongside providing better transport connections, railway lines contribute to employment, economic prosperity, and sustainability goals.
The Research Brief: How planning problems are slowing down the green transition
Your weekly dose of policy thinking.
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How might Keir Starmer run the country? Look to Labour councils
Labour-led authorities have governed under austerity for more than a decade, with mixed success.
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The new shadow environment secretary faces a “key test for Labour”
Steve Reed must take the plunge on nutrient neutrality.
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The new radical? What to expect from the shadow levelling-up secretary
Angela Rayner now presides over a sprawling policy remit – and the opposition’s most far-reaching reforms.
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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.
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Parliament is back: what’s on the agenda?
As MPs return from summer, here’s what to expect in legislation on the economy, sustainability and healthcare.
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Digital exclusion is leaving coastal communities behind
We need investment into connectivity, or inequalities will only widen.
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Rishi Sunak’s LTNs review exposes the hollow promises of devolution
Both parties promise to end decades of centralisation – but only if the beneficiaries stick rigidly to Whitehall’s plans.
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Why Michael Gove’s long-term plan for housing falls short
Without meaningful commitments from government, we won’t have decent, affordable and energy-efficient homes.
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Bradford’s high-speed rail saga exposes Britain’s short-termism
The government may be revising its decision not to include the Yorkshire city in its rail plans – and…
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The Policy Ask with Owen Pritchard: “I’d ban the public sector paying ransoms to hackers”
The Local Government Association’s cybersecurity lead on Nelson Mandela, serving in the army, and asking for forgiveness rather than…
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Local authorities need an emergency rescue package
Starving councils of much-needed finance will prove to be a false economy.
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The Policy Ask with James Heath: “The UK has been very slow on decarbonising buildings”
The chief executive of the National Infrastructure Commission on remote working, devolution and the need to accelerate green energy…
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Two thirds of young people say work damages their mental health
Polling shared exclusively with Spotlight finds that most workers think their job does them harm.
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The Policy Ask with Matt Downie: “Ending homelessness through a housing-first model is a transformative idea”
The CEO of Crisis on rogue landlords, the inhumanity of the “hostile environment” mantra and Finland’s housing-first policy.
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Britain’s banks can drive prosperity everywhere
Support for international trade underpins growth.
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For economic growth, send the men home
Research finds the UK’s measly paternity leave is a drag on the economy.
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The bold policy that could help Labour solve the housing crisis
New housebuilding and planning policies need to boost local economies, not just landowners and developers.
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Can Clean Air Zones fix the UK’s air pollution problem?
The controversial initiative has come under fire from local leaders.
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Can redesigning cities boost economic growth? – with PwC
A special podcast from Spotlight, the New Statesman’s policy supplement.
Michael Gove’s Renters Reform Bill is “unenforceable”
Local authorities don’t have the resources or skills to uphold regulation of the private rented sector.
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To truly tackle regional disparities, we need a new type of devolution
PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Report shows that empowering local leaders is central to closing the economic gap between…
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The levelling-up agenda has failed young people
Nine in ten under-25s consider being able to afford food aspirational – the government must start involving them in…
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How to implement a policy: universal free school meals
London’s Mayor still needs to figure out the financing, staffing and investment to deliver his flagship pledge, according to…
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Andy Street criticises government messaging on the 2021 Levelling Up Fund
At a New Statesman conference, the West Midlands mayor said it should have been clear the policy was more…
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What’s wrong with the English planning system?
Keir Starmer has said a Labour government would try to overhaul our internationally unusual set-up.
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Why we need an industrial strategy
Business is deserting the UK as a place to invest.
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Could new regulation kill off short-term holiday lets?
The government is currently consulting on whether to regulate holiday rentals commonly advertised on platforms like Airbnb.
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Andy Street: “Our devolution deal is the end of the begging bowl”
The Mayor of the West Midlands on how the “landmark” shift of powers from Whitehall to his authority will…
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How would Labour do levelling up?
Labour's shadow levelling up minister, Alex Norris, on the opposition's plans for devolution and regional policy.
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Three leadership pivots for rapidly changing times
Inflation is affecting local government delivery everywhere.
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Dehenna Davison on devolution: “We have instigated the greatest transfer of power in living memory”
Our new deals will hand strong, effective metro mayors the tools they need to grow their regions.
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Health equity is the key to prosperity
We need intervention to close widening regional divides.
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We must focus on skills to boost the economy
Lifelong learning and regional growth are vital for levelling up.
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Regional Development: The devolution dilemma
Expert comment and analysis from Alex Norris MP, Dehenna Davison MP and Andy Street.
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The Policy Ask with Martin Tugwell: “Free public transport could deliver economic, environmental and social benefits”
Transport for the North’s chief executive on devolution, infrastructure delivery, and his role in the Olympic opening ceremony.
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The shattered Tory bloc and the end of levelling up
Exclusive New Statesman polling reveals what local councillors really think of the government’s flagship regional policy agenda.
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