Insights You Need: December 2024 Highlights

Bank of England reduces interest rates by 0.25 percentage points in November

The Bank of England's November 2024 Monetary Policy Report highlighted a reduction in the Bank Rate to 4.75%, reflecting progress in controlling inflation while supporting economic growth. GDP growth slowed in Q2 2024, while inflation fell to 1.7% by September, aided by lower goods prices. Fiscal measures from the Autumn Budget 2024 are expected to boost growth in the short term but may also temporarily raise inflation, which will see interest rates fall more slowly. The changes in market expectations have already led to a rise in mortgage rates.

UK Government forms taskforce to boost infrastructure investment

The British Infrastructure Taskforce, launched by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, aims to drive private investment in UK infrastructure and promote nationwide growth. Key stakeholders, including major financial firms like Lloyds and L&G, discussed strategies to address barriers and unlock capital for critical infrastructure projects. The initiative aligns with the newly formed National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority’s ten-year strategy. Leaders emphasised collaboration between government and business to ensure investment fuels economic, social, and environmental progress across the UK.

Birmingham Economic Review points to opportunities amid challenges for the region

The Birmingham Economic Review 2024, co-authored by City-REDI at the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, explores the city-region's recovery from Brexit, the pandemic, and the energy crisis. Chief Executive Henrietta Brealey emphasises Birmingham’s strengths in attracting investment, HS2’s potential, and incoming devolved powers. The report recommends tackling health disparities, deprivation, and barriers to growth through collaboration, investment, and innovation to ensure sustainable and inclusive development in the West Midlands.

Confederation of British Industry members offer mixed reactions to autumn budget 2024

The Confederation of British Industry’s snap survey of businesses post-Autumn Budget revealed mixed reactions. While 52.4% praised the Corporation Tax Roadmap for offering stability, measures like increased Employers' National Insurance faced heavy criticism from 78.6% of respondents. Businesses highlighted gaps in support for green technologies and infrastructure. Sentiment on the Budget’s impact on investment and productivity leaned negative, with 42.2% expressing concern over the UK’s investment appeal.

Confederation of British Industry’s Blueprint for Competitiveness

At the CBI’s annual conference in November 2024, the CEO Rain Newton-Smith noted that “the post-Budget survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of firms reported that the Budget will damage UK investment with half of firms looking to reduce headcount as a result.” Its new Blueprint for Competitiveness sets out five critical economic shifts: funding competitiveness through deeper capital markets and an agile fiscal policy framework; delivering on the UK’s Net Zero targets through sustainable investments and regulatory innovation; evolving our labour market, ensuring the right balance of skills, health, and productivity for future growth; harnessing digital technology, particularly AI, to revolutionise both the public and private sectors; and balancing economic security with international trade policy to secure the UK’s position in an increasingly protectionist world; and five policy tools: tackling the drivers of growth; assessing (celebrating and building on) our national assets; minimising opportunity cost; picking races rather than picking winners; and in a strong message in support of devolution, asking “how does this play across the UK” – through prioritising partnerships with devolved government and aligning local growth plans with the national industrial strategy.

Lessons from history to address UK regional inequalities

A British Academy report examines the historical evolution of UK regional policies, revealing persistent economic and health disparities rooted in deindustrialisation and London-centric growth. It advocates long-term, decentralised strategies to empower local governance, address spatial inequalities, and transition to an inclusive economic model. Tailored, place-sensitive interventions, including innovation and regional workforce support, are key to overcoming challenges and building sustainable regional prosperity.

New report highlights visitor economy’s role in boosting UK city spending

A report by Centre for Cities provides the first detailed analysis of domestic visitor spending across the UK’s 63 largest cities. The report identifies cities like York, Edinburgh, and Cambridge as "destinations" where visitors significantly drive local economies, comprising up to 50% of spending on shopping and dining. According to the analysis, only a third of cities can be designated ‘destination’ cities, and neither Birmingham nor Coventry (included in the analysis) made the cut by this definition. The report recommends strategies for destination cities, including expanding overnight stays and international appeal while addressing broader economic challenges, such as infrastructure and housing improvements.

UK's clean energy strategy: Key to jobs and growth by 2030

The UK’s clean energy strategy aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future, creating high-quality jobs and driving economic growth. In a recent PwC vlog, experts emphasised the need for strong alignment between the government's industrial strategy and clean energy goals, particularly focusing on regional development and skilled workforce training. While ambitious, the government’s recent targets for clean power by 2030 are deemed achievable, with successful delivery depending on robust planning, infrastructure, and clear policy actions to unlock private investment.

Time to devolve research funding to boost regional growth?

Professor Ben Rogers advocates for devolving research funding in England to address regional challenges, foster innovation, and drive economic growth in a recent Wonkhe blog. The professor highlights the centralisation of academic funding, which heavily favours the Southeast, and argues for regional authorities to have greater involvement. Indeed, latest data revealed that 41.3% of Government spending on research and development (R&D) was spent in London (19.9%) and the Southeast (21.4%). Meanwhile, the West Midlands region only saw 5.7% of the government’s total spend on R&D. By aligning funding with local needs, regions could tackle key issues, co-design innovative programs, and boost local economies. Rogers suggests collaboration between UKRI and regional authorities to ensure funding aligns with the government's focus on "growth through devolution."

Updated Doughnut Economics Guide offers pathways for local government adoption

The Doughnut Economics Action Lab’s updated Cities & Regions: Let's Get Started guide (Version 2.0) provides nine pathways and 12 case studies to help local governments adopt Doughnut Economics. Drawing on experiences from cities like Amsterdam, Glasgow, and Barcelona, it showcases strategies for integrating sustainability and social equity into policymaking. The guide serves as a practical resource for officials worldwide, offering adaptable tools and examples to support local economic transformation and environmental resilience.

The changing reality of low-to-middle income families in Britain

A new report from the Unsung Britain research program being conducted by the Resolution Foundation reveals the evolving economic conditions of low-to-middle income families in the UK. These families are older, sicker, and more likely to have adult care responsibilities than in the past. Despite higher employment rates, particularly among women, stagnant wage growth and rising housing costs have led to a decline in homeownership and long-term living standards. While worklessness has decreased, income growth has slowed dramatically since the mid-2000s. The West Midlands region had the highest proportion of low-to-middle income families and the largest rise over the review period (up from 43 per cent in 1994-95 to 58 per cent in 2022-23).

ONS Report reveals persistent disability pay gap in the UK

In 2023, disabled workers earned on average £2 less per hour than their non-disabled counterparts, with a pay gap of 12.7%, according to the ONS. The median hourly wage for disabled employees was £13.69, compared to £15.69 for others. Despite stability since 2014, campaigners criticise the persistent disparity. The new government aims to address this issue with mandatory pay gap reporting and reforms, while experts emphasise the need for both government and employers to combat workplace discrimination where it exists.

ONS publishes UK inclusive wealth and income accounts

According to new data which moves beyond GDP as a measure of economic output to include elements such as unpaid work, gross inclusive income and net inclusive income per person grew by 2.8% and 5.0% respectively in 2022, though both remain below pre-pandemic levels. Inclusive capital, measuring wealth, fell by 0.4%. These experimental data, broadening GDP, show weaker trends in economic welfare from 2017 to the pandemic, reflecting a nuanced picture of economic well-being. Despite challenges, the UK's overall productive capacity remained resilient, underscoring the need for further methodological refinement. No regional breakdown was provided.

West Midlands middle of the road in public

In 2023-24, public spending in the West Midlands totalled £76.2 billion, with a per-head expenditure of £12,527, close to the UK average of £12,958 according to latest Treasury statistics. This figure highlights the region's balanced share of funding relative to other English regions, supporting services like healthcare, education, and transportation. Spending per head remained below London’s £14,842 but above areas like the East Midlands at £11,603.

A new wealth gap risk register

Wealth inequality in Britain has remained stable relatively but has widened in absolute terms, with the richest 10% owning 60% of UK wealth, second only to the US among OECD nations. This disparity impacts housing, health, social cohesion, democracy, and the environment. The Wealth Gap Risk Register produced by the Fairness Foundation explores these impacts, proposes solutions to mitigate them, and examines public attitudes through data visualisations, polling, and focus groups, highlighting the need for policy understanding and action to address wealth stratification's societal consequences. No regional breakdown was provided.

Report highlights positive impacts of UK firms' overseas investments

A report by LSE Consulting’s Trade Policy Hub for the Department for Business and Trade reveals significant economic benefits of outward direct investment (ODI) by UK firms. Analysing Office for National Statistics data, it found that for firms engaged in ODI, a 10% increase in time-lagged investment position was associated with a 4.7% increase in its gross value added. ODI was linked to productivity gains and increased exports, showing a complementary relationship between overseas investments and trade growth.

UK innovation must bridge regional and social gaps

A Productivity Institute insight paper highlights how innovation, while driving growth, often deepens inequalities by sidelining marginalised groups and regions. It calls for inclusive innovation policies in the UK to address these gaps through coordinated approaches, local ecosystem development, and diverse stakeholder participation. Emphasising social and regional inclusivity, the paper suggests reforms in funding, governance, and supply chains to make innovation a force for equitable national progress.

Report calls for bold reforms to boost UK entrepreneurship

A new report, The British Entrepreneur, authored by Kevin Hollinrake, the Shadow Business Secretary, highlights key barriers stifling small business growth in the UK. It identifies high costs, poor access to finance, fear of failure, economic challenges, and red tape as critical issues. The report recommends reforms including VAT restructuring, community-backed finance initiatives, and streamlined regulations to unlock entrepreneurial potential. Targeting aspiring entrepreneurs and growth-oriented businesses is essential to reversing the reliance on a small fraction of firms for productivity.

Age-inclusive hiring could solve SME staffing gaps

Mike Mansfield, CEO of ProAge, highlights the potential of age-inclusive hiring to address staffing shortages in a recent BGWM blog, with over 11,000 vacancies in the West Midlands alone. Older workers, who now comprise 30% of the UK workforce, bring skills, loyalty, and diverse perspectives. Mansfield advises SMEs to combat ageism, simplify recruitment processes, and offer tailored benefits like retraining and transitional retirement. Leveraging older talent could transform productivity and workforce stability in a shifting demographic landscape.

Digitalisation gaps among UK SMEs

An Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) Research Paper, authored by Mahmood, Asghar, and Kousha, explores disparities in SME digitalisation across gender, ethnicity, region, and industry. Combining panel discussions with experts and data from the UK Longitudinal Small Business Survey (2018–2022), the research examines adoption trends in technologies like AI, ERP, and VR/AR. Findings stress the need for targeted strategies to bridge digital divides and support equitable innovation, emphasising tailored approaches for underrepresented groups and sectors.

How to close the AI skills gap

To leverage AI’s potential, organisations must upskill staff through internal training, collaborations with universities, AI boot camps, and pilot projects with AI vendors writes Neha Gupta in a recent Warwick Business School blog. Upskilling should focus on both technical skills and contextual business knowledge, enabling employees to supervise and optimise AI usage. Building relationships between technical and business teams is vital for effective implementation. Training also helps mitigate fears about AI, empowering employees to embrace tools that enhance productivity, creativity, and competitiveness.

Flexible work boosts SME innovation and productivity

A new research paper by Maioli, Tiwasing, and Atterton explores the adoption of flexible working arrangements (FWAs) in Scottish SMEs. Published by the ERC, the study leverages data from 2015-2022 to analyse the impact of FWAs on productivity and innovation. Amid rising demand for FWAs and new legislation granting workers the right to request flexibility, the report highlights FWAs' potential to address recruitment challenges, enhance work-life balance, and drive SME performance, recommending further adoption and evidence-based strategies.

External advice spurs 22% productivity growth in SMEs, study finds

A research paper by Brown, Cowling, and Sun, published by the ERC, examines the impact of business advice on UK SMEs. Using longitudinal data, the study finds that firms leveraging external advice see a 22.1% increase in labour productivity. Strategic advice, in particular, plays a pivotal role in enhancing innovation and productivity. The authors recommend policymakers prioritise awareness of advice benefits and emphasise strategic guidance to unlock SMEs' full potential in innovation and performance.

Long-term impact of business support on SMEs

A study by Knox, Mwaura, and Oziri, published by the ERC, examines how business advice and government grants affect SMEs over time. Using data from the Longitudinal Small Business Survey (2018–2022), the research highlights how this support enhances managerial practices, which subsequently improve firm performance. The findings underscore the need for policies emphasising sustained support and strategic managerial development to drive long-term productivity and innovation in SMEs.

UK retailers face cost pressures and 'vibecession' in Golden Quarter

As UK retailers enter the critical Golden Quarter, they face rising costs from increased wages, national insurance, and new employment laws. Coupled with declining consumer sentiment, dubbed a "vibecession," retailers must balance protecting core operations, driving growth through innovation, and managing reputational challenges writes PwC in its recent Retail Outlook. Investments in retail technology, strategic cost management, and resilient supply chains are essential to navigating current pressures while preparing for future growth. Success hinges on blending operational efficiency with customer-focused innovation.

Midven and FundingHero join forces with £1m partnership to boost high-growth West Midlands businesses

Midven has announced a £1m partnership with FundingHero to support high-growth businesses in the West Midlands. The next FundingHero cohort, starting in January 2025, will see Midven’s investment team actively supporting the program and attending the demo day, where companies may be offered term sheets of up to £1m from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund.

New 645,000 sq ft industrial and logistics hub to rise at Coventry's Pickford Gate

Hallam Land has disposed of 52 acres at its mega-development in Coventry, in a deal which paves the way for a 645,000 sq ft industrial and logistics site. Royal London Asset Management Property has acquired the land at the Pickford Gate scheme which already has outline planning permission for new employment space and R&D facilities.

West Midlands boosts STEM skills with new AI campus and 100+ tech jobs

More than 100 specialist jobs are being created at two innovation-led companies as part of the West Midlands' goal of supporting the UK's digital and STEM skills drive. The investments include the opening of a new campus for a coding and AI educator. Wolverhampton-based School of Coding & AI has confirmed plans to expand its operations into Birmingham, creating up to 100 tech-focused higher education jobs over the next three years.

Labour force headlines

Latest data showed the total claimant count rose by 2.0 percentage points (pp) in the WMCA area from September to October 2024 (UK: 1.2pp). The number of claimants as a proportion of residents aged 16-64 was 8.3% compared to 4.2% for the UK. Across the Combined Authorities, the WMCA had the highest rates, West Yorkshire Combined Authority was the second highest at 5.7% down to 2.1% for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Latest data showed the youth claimant count rose by 3.5pp in the WMCA area from September to October 2024 (UK: 3.5pp). The number of youth claimants as a proportion of residents aged 18-24 was 9.5% compared to 5.4% for the UK. Across the Combined Authorities, the WMCA had the highest rates, Tees Valley Combined Authority was the second highest at 8.0% down to 2.7% for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Workless households

Data released by ONS shows in the WMCA area 16.0% of households are workless, varying from 9.6% in Dudley to 19.5% in Birmingham. Data on reasons for not working for people living in workless households showed that in the wider West Midlands region the main reason is due to being sick or disabled, at 39.5%. The wider West Midlands region has the highest percentage of people not working due to being unemployed out of all English regions, at 13.1%, higher than the England figure of 10.4%.

Alternative data challenges UK employment rate estimates

Ahead of the release of the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper, new analysis by the Resolution Foundation suggests the UK’s true employment rate may be higher than figures from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). By using alternative data sources like HMRC payroll and self-employment records, researchers estimate that employment has remained steady since 2019, contrary to LFS claims of a 1.2% decline. This points to potential overestimations in unemployment and inactivity rates, with the true inactivity rate possibly unchanged despite a rise in long-term sickness.

Skills and employers data released by ONS

Data released by ONS on skills and employers shows that in 2023, 55% of job adverts in the WMCA area could have been filled by local people. Compared with the proportion of adverts that matched the skills of people in other areas, West Midlands placed 13^th out of 37 UK regions. This analysis considers a person’s skills to match a job advert if they have every skill associated with the role. However, in reality people may have relevant skills not captured by the data or be hired for a job without meeting every criterion.

Funding cuts threaten future of England’s colleges, report warns

A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies highlights financial struggles faced by England’s 218 further education colleges. With a third of colleges operating in deficit in 2022/23, public funding cuts since 2010 have reduced budgets by nearly a third. The report recommends a £400 million funding increase by 2028 to sustain services amid rising demand and urges action on pay disparities to retain teachers. Without intervention, colleges’ ability to support workforce skills development is at risk.

Children's reading habits decline in the UK

The National Literacy Trust's 2024 survey reveals concerning declines in reading enjoyment and frequency among children and young people. Only 34.6% of 8 to 18-year-olds enjoy reading in their free time, a decrease of nearly 9 percentage points from the previous year. Daily reading rates have dropped to their lowest level since 2005, with just 20.5% reading daily. The Trust urges the government to form a taskforce to prioritise reading for pleasure alongside essential literacy skills to reverse these trends.

Barriers to widening participation via degree apprenticeships

A study commissioned to explore degree apprenticeships (DAs) and widening participation (WP) reveals significant challenges. The report, authored by researchers examining two post-92 universities, identifies that outreach for DAs often targets high-performing or private schools, sidelining disadvantaged groups. Employers control recruitment, favouring existing staff for apprenticeships, which misaligns with WP objectives. The report recommends stronger partnerships between universities and employers to prioritise inclusive recruitment strategies and better align DA offerings with WP goals.

Majority of Brits support international students for economic benefits, survey finds

A study by King’s College London reveals that 60% of the UK public believes international students bring significant economic benefits, with only 12% disagreeing. The research highlights that most people recognise that the higher fees paid by overseas students help subsidise places for domestic students. While support has slightly softened over the years due to growing concerns about immigration, the majority of respondents remain positive about international students' contributions to the economy. The study calls for policies that balance these benefits with broader public concerns.

Report calls for equitable childcare support for student parents

A new report from the Resolution Foundation highlights major inequalities in childcare support for student parents in England. While low-income parents in higher education can access guaranteed childcare grants, those in further education rely on discretionary and limited funds. The report urges the government to extend childcare grants to all low-income student parents and align their childcare benefits with those of working parents, at an estimated annual cost of £240 million. These changes could boost long-term economic mobility.

Devolution Key to Tackling Health Inequalities, Report Suggests

A joint report by CLES, The King’s Fund, and the Health Foundation highlights how English devolution can reduce health inequalities. Despite mayoral authorities addressing wider health determinants, progress is stalled by structural barriers. The report recommends shifting focus beyond economic growth, fostering deeper collaboration, and ensuring fairer funding. These insights aim to guide government policy in empowering local leaders to address disparities and achieve better health outcomes across England.

Health concerns with gas cooker usage

Gas cooker usage has been linked to poor health outcomes and emissions which contribute to global warming have been linked to respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease. The charity Global Action Plan is calling on the government to help the UK transition to cleaner alternatives.

House of Lords report calls for overhaul of UK food system

The House of Lords Food, Diet, and Obesity Committee has urged the government to develop a long-term strategy to address the UK's "broken food system." Their report, Recipe for Health, highlights obesity as a public health crisis, costing 1–2% of GDP annually. Key recommendations include introducing a salt and sugar tax, banning unhealthy food ads, and improving maternal and child nutrition programs. Chair Baroness Walmsley emphasised the need for systemic reform to prioritise health and wellbeing.

Tackle loneliness through better urban planning, CSJ report recommends

A report by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) highlights , with 32 million adults experiencing loneliness, including 22% who feel fundamentally disconnected from society. Comparable to smoking and obesity in health impacts, loneliness is linked to the built environment. The report calls for this to be addressed through improved urban design, aligning with Labour’s housing plans, to foster community trust and reduce isolation. Recommendations include prioritising quality, character, and community engagement in new developments. No regional breakdown was provided.

Councils receive new powers to rejuvenate vacant shops

The UK government will implement High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs) starting December 2, allowing councils to lease long-empty shops to businesses and community groups. Announced by Alex Norris MP and Jonathan Reynolds MP, the initiative tackles landlord inaction on properties vacant for over 365 days, aiming to reduce the 14% closure rate among high street shops. Supported by over £1 million in funding, HSRAs form part of broader efforts, including tax relief and finance support, to boost local economies and revitalise town centres.

Persistent damp and mould issues in West Midlands social housing

A Centre for the New Midlands report evaluated the Social Housing Quality Fund (SHQF), a £15 million programme to address damp and mould in the West Midlands. While improvements were noted, 40% of surveyed tenants had endured issues for over four years, with 76% reporting reduced quality of life. The study highlights the fund’s limitations and urges policymakers to prioritise housing quality, calling for integrated approaches that include decarbonisation and net-zero retrofitting to prevent damp and improve tenant health.

Land reforms could cut housing costs and boost social home supply

A report by the New Economics Foundation reveals how reforms to reduce "hope value" in land valuations could transform social housing delivery in the UK. By reducing land costs under Compulsory Purchase Orders, public funding needed for 90,000 annual social homes could drop by £4.5bn—cutting upfront costs by a quarter. Alternatively, this could fund 27,000 additional homes annually. The research urges the government to build on previous reforms, making mass social housing viable and addressing the housing crisis effectively.

Accessibility gaps in UK housing development locations

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published a new report on housing developments in England, covering nearly 1.6 million homes built between 2012 and 2021. The report reveals that accessibility to key services from new homes has remained largely unchanged, with car travel still much faster than public transport. It also finds regional disparities, with London having the best accessibility. Travel time to destination (minutes) from all approved new homes varied from 12 minutes on average in London to 28 in the East of England. The West Midlands fared relatively well with an average of 18 minutes. RTPI recommends prioritising compact, mixed-use settlements to boost economic productivity, sustainability, and public health.

Report warns of car dependency built into new housing developments

A study by the New Economics Foundation reveals how England's new builds have increasingly locked residents into car dependency, undermining sustainability and climate goals. Since 2009, new homes are being constructed in car-reliant locations with limited public transport options. Poor planning, car-centric designs, and inadequate transport funding exacerbate the problem. The report urges reforms, including integrating regional planning, public transport investment, and strategic land use to curb car dependency and promote sustainable, well-connected communities aligned with the UK’s climate commitments.

Updated City Resilience Framework helps cities tackle growing threats

The 2024 update to the City Resilience Framework (CRF’24) by ARUP aims to guide cities in addressing increasingly complex threats such as climate change, pandemics, and infrastructure deficits. Building on ten years of experience, the framework helps city leaders, planners, and investors coordinate actions to improve resilience at various urban levels, including new developments and urban regeneration. It provides accessible tools for identifying priorities and fostering collaborative action to face challenges more effectively.

Retrofitting solid walled homes: Key to UK's net zero goals

The DEEP project, one of the UK’s largest studies on retrofitting solid walled homes, underscores the importance of holistic approaches to address energy inefficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Findings revealed that solid wall insulation is the most impactful measure, reducing heat loss by up to 55% and lowering fuel bills by up to 38%. However, challenges like high costs and risks of condensation require adopting a "whole house approach" to ensure safety and effectiveness. Enhanced building energy models, better risk assessments, and comprehensive surveys are recommended to improve retrofit outcomes and inform national policies.

Key actions for achieving net zero buildings

A new publication by ARUP outlines a 12-step action plan for transitioning the building sector to net zero operational carbon. With buildings responsible for 37% of global energy-related carbon emissions, urgent action is needed. The plan emphasises defining "net zero", creating incentives, and ensuring transparency in energy performance. It advocates for a performance-based approach rather than merely complying with codes. The initiative, co-authored by WBCSD, aims to accelerate market transformation and enhance building sustainability.

WMCA aims for ‘Vision Zero’ in road safety with ambitious new plan

The Regional Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2030 by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) outlines a comprehensive strategy to significantly reduce road traffic deaths and injuries in the West Midlands. The plan builds on previous strategies and integrates local and regional efforts to achieve its goals. Key aspects include:

1. Vision Zero: The plan aligns with a long-term goal of eliminating all road deaths and serious injuries. By 2030, it aims to halve the number of such incidents.
2. Safe Systems Approach: This involves a data-driven strategy focusing on a combination of interventions, acknowledging that human error is inevitable, but its consequences can be minimised through better road systems, vehicle design, and traffic management.
3. Innovative Policies: The strategy emphasises innovation, including the use of emerging technologies like e-mobility and autonomous vehicles, and enforcing new traffic laws to enhance safety and reduce congestion.
4. Collaboration and Evidence-based Actions: Partnerships with local authorities, road users, and other stakeholders play a pivotal role. Actions will be based on robust data and research to target high-risk groups like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
5. Monitoring and Accountability: Regular evaluation of performance indicators and adjustments to interventions ensure the plan remains effective and responsive to emerging challenges.

The strategy complements broader transportation and environmental goals, such as reducing car dependency, improving air quality, and enhancing public transport efficiency​

Campaign launched to tackle dangerous driving in the West Midlands

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster launched the "Record. Report. Result." campaign during Road Safety Awareness Week in November. Part of Operation Snap, this initiative urges the public to submit footage of dangerous driving, such as mobile phone use or reckless behavior, for police review. Submissions have risen sharply, with over 11,500 in 2024, leading to significant enforcement outcomes. Foster emphasizes public involvement as crucial to reducing road fatalities and holding offenders accountable.

European Metropolitan Transport Authorities (EMTA) dashboard

The West Midlands Combined Authority shares transport data with EMTA to facilitate cross-transport authority comparisons. After a hiatus, an online interactive dashboard has been launched alongside the regular report, including comparators to the West Midlands. For a full review of the latest release see the TfWM 20^th Quarterly Research Paper.

Transport Focus – Your Bus Journey survey results published

This survey has now resumed post-pandemic, with the results for 2023 being published recently.  Results are available in Your Bus Journey - Transport Focus, showing the West Midlands region having 76% overall satisfaction, similar to the national average, but lower scores for punctuality, wait time and value for money compared to the national average. 

Road design vs usage compatibility assessments to assist highway and public realm design

The TfWM’s Data Insight team worked with a university master’s student to produce a cost effective method of assessing the appropriateness of the built road environment relative to its usage to assist in appropriate road design improvements – read more in the 20^th Quarterly Research Paper.

Fear is still a barrier to cycling uptake

New research from Swapfiets shows that fear of the road environment is still an impediment to achieving our transport policy objectives of increasing active travel uptake: Staggering 90 per cent of city dwellers too scared to cycle.

Centre for Cities advocates new economic geography for English devolution

In a recently published briefing, Centre for Cities argues that the English Devolution White Paper should adopt an economic geography approach to local government reform. The paper stresses the need for a pragmatic strategy, favouring combined authorities for large cities and counties, but . In the West Midlands, for example, the authors suggest carving up the WMCA to incorporate half of Solihull local authority and Coventry into a larger Warwickshire authority, while Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton join with parts of Staffordshire, Shropshire and Hereford and Worcester. This approach, although challenging, would simplify governance and deliver tangible benefits without adding unnecessary complexity argue the authors. The Centre warns that avoiding tough decisions could result in ineffective reforms.

Budget boosts local government powers but highlights need for policy evaluation

The recent UK budget increased public service funding and shifted towards integrated funding settlements for Mayoral Combined Authorities, promoting local control over spending, with WMCA being one of the first to develop one. According to a recent What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth blog, while moves towards simplified, long-term funding and reduced reliance on programme-specific grants offer stability, they risk deprioritising evaluation of local interventions. Without robust evaluation, local governments and central missions for economic growth may falter. The upcoming white paper on English devolution is expected to address these issues, emphasising the need for evidence-based policy targeting and learning.

Report highlights public service reform as key to UK growth and wellbeing

The Centre for Progressive Policy, Core Cities UK, and Metro Dynamics have launched a report advocating for public service reform focused on prevention and local solutions to address complex societal needs. It warns that without reform, the UK risks economic and service collapse but with it can achieve growth, better services, and rising wellbeing. Recommendations include 10-year Local Prevention Plans, Prevention Deals, and flexible funding for councils to address urgent needs like housing and child social care. Reform is linked to healthier, well-educated communities vital for sustainable growth.

New report advocates electrification to decarbonise British industry

A report by ERM for the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero emphasises electrification as a key strategy for industrial decarbonisation, contributing to the UK's Net-Zero goals. It outlines technological solutions, including heat pumps and electric boilers, for sectors like cement, glass, and food production. The study identifies barriers such as high costs, grid upgrades, and limited renewable penetration, while proposing research, demonstrations, and policy measures to accelerate adoption and inform government energy models.

UK supports global farmers facing climate challenges

The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit reports that the UK has co-invested in 348 projects aimed at helping farmers in 111 countries combat climate extremes. These projects, funded through multilateral climate funds, support food production in countries like Colombia, which supplies a significant portion of the UK's bananas. The initiatives, which address climate-induced droughts, pests, and diseases, are essential for ensuring continued food supplies amid rising global temperatures. The UK’s efforts are part of a broader international collaboration with countries such as Germany and France.

New National Youth Strategy to empower young voices

The UK government has launched plans for a co-produced National Youth Strategy, committing £85 million and £100 million from dormant assets to improve youth services and facilities. The initiative, led by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, prioritises youth involvement in shaping policies, better coordination of services, and addressing challenges like social media pressures. Replacing the National Citizen Service, the strategy includes funding for youth clubs and local projects, emphasising long-term support to expand opportunities nationwide.

Crime continues to fall following pandemic peak

Latest data now available on the WISE Data Profiler shows how incidence of crime continues to fall across the region following a peak during the pandemic. Total combined incidence of crime across the WMCA area fell from 960,731 in the 12 months to Q1 2024 to 947,755 in the twelve months to Q2 2024.

Youth work cuts undermine prevention efforts

A new briefing highlights the severe impact of a 60% funding cut to youth work since 2010, despite its proven benefits in improving mental health, educational outcomes, and reducing crime. Youth work helps young people lead happier and healthier lives, making it an effective preventative service. The report urges national and local governments to prioritise prevention by increasing support for youth work to address growing needs and ensure sustainable, accessible services for vulnerable young people. No regional breakdown was provided.

UK Intergenerational Audit highlights key economic and social trends

The UK's sixth Intergenerational Audit reveals vital economic flows between generations, focusing on support older generations provide to younger ones, such as housing, childcare, and financial aid. Key findings include rising numbers of young adults living with parents, increased maternal workforce participation, and growing reliance on grandparents for childcare. Additionally, millennials are more likely to provide care for aging parents, while rising inheritance levels influence retirement decisions. The audit emphasises the need for greater resources to support the ageing population and informal carers.