HS2 station debacle is a symptom of our terminal decline
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Regional Development
Reporting and commentary on the government’s levelling up agenda.
Interviews and Q&As
Recent articles
Where has the levelling-up fund money been distributed?
As the second tranche of successful bids are announced, we look at where investment has headed so far.
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Levelling-up fund is poor compensation for the ravages of austerity
The latest £2bn round of levelling-up funding is a drop in the ocean compared with the fall in local…
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The legislative battles to watch out for in 2023
UK policymakers and experts reveal the legislation and policy initiatives they have their eye on as parliament returns.
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More power for communities can’t just mean more power for councils
Keir Starmer's Take Back Control Bill needs to truly empower citizens.
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“National renewal” does not come cheap
Keir Starmer’s plan for more devolution is welcome, but ameliorating our social crises will require sustained public investment.
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The Policy Ask with Matt Downie: “There is no excuse for people to be living and dying on our streets”
The CEO of Crisis on rogue landlords, the inhumanity of the “hostile environment” mantra and Finland’s housing-first policy.
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What happens when a council declares bankruptcy?
Local governments across England are worried about their finances, and we should be too.
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Labour must be radical on public service reform
Rethinking public services can rebuild trust in the state – and rebalance our economy.
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Richard Blakeway: “Landlords are too dismissive about damp and mould”
It’s time to stop blaming tenants for sub-standard living conditions, says England’s housing ombudsman.
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Labour’s “New Britain” is not as new as it seems
There have been many attempts to rebalance the UK’s economy. Will Gordon Brown’s review be any different?
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To forge a “New Britain”, Labour must rethink our economic system
The party pledges to unleash growth in its report on the UK’s political future, but it has missed the…
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Why we need a train network like France’s
While Birmingham and Leeds wait for metros, Emmanuel Macron is rolling out Paris-style trains in cities across France.
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Was Great British Railways ever the answer to the UK’s transport woes?
The travel chaos we see today is the result of a complete lack of vision and planning.
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Pollution is a public health menace – we have an obligation to intervene
As city mayors, it is our responsibility to protect those we represent.
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Who’s in and who’s out at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities?
The department, now led by Michael Gove, has churned through ministers. What does it mean for the Tories’ 2019…
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“The wolf is still at the door”: council leaders on the Autumn Statement
Local authorities bore the brunt of austerity in the 2010s – now they face more uncertainty.
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What does the Autumn Statement mean for levelling up?
Avoiding the most dire predictions, the Chancellor still announced a fiscal policy that will only serve to level down.
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“It’s the children – I have to make sure they are warm”: Why prepayment meter users face a tougher winter
Prepaying for bills means immediate increases in energy costs, as well as higher per unit prices than fixed tariffs.
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Child asylum seekers are caught between the Home Office and cash-strapped councils
Already subject to invasive assessments, minors may now be at risk of deportation to Rwanda.
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Michael Gove’s appointment is a sign that levelling up is back on
Gove’s return is good news for the regions – and a challenge for Labour.
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Anne-Marie Trevelyan warns the Transport Committee that train strikes are not over
The Transport Secretary told MPs that she doesn’t support unions that act “to the detriment” of their members.
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Will Liz Truss really drop Boris Johnson-era policies?
The PM has hinted at a rethink of her predecessor’s policy commitments. As parliament returns, which are at risk?
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Partner content
The link between global and domestic events has never been clearer
Foreign policy must become more central to our politics.
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Partner content
The cost-of-living crisis is hitting small businesses – Liz Truss must act
Careful use of fiscal policy, prudent advice, and planning is vital for the coming years.
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