November’s Essential Reads and Updates

Is growth enough?

According to researchers at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation economic growth alone will not significantly reduce poverty or deep poverty in the UK. Analysis of scenarios, including a strong economy and high employment growth, shows poverty levels will remain broadly unchanged between 2024 and 2028 without targeted policy changes. Even with very high employment, poverty may only decrease marginally. Higher-income households will benefit more from growth, increasing inequality. The authors argue that to reduce poverty, deliberate redistributive policies focusing on lower-income households are necessary alongside economic growth.

How government should support a place-based approach to its national growth mission

The Labour government’s mission to boost nationwide growth emphasises the role of metro mayors, who have been tasked with creating “local growth plans” that align with the upcoming national industrial strategy. An insight paper from the Institute for Government suggests aligning local and national timelines, clarifying available powers, and offering capacity support to local authorities. To ensure effectiveness, it advocates local ownership of plans, limited central oversight, and strategic coordination across regions to drive growth in targeted sectors.

Can an industrial strategy help drive productivity growth?

This is the question posed in a recent Productivity Institute article. The Labour government's industrial strategy aims to tackle the UK's long-standing productivity issues. Focus areas include net-zero energy, key sectors like aerospace and digital, and regional underperformance. The strategy emphasises targeted government intervention, rejecting a broad approach. According to the Productivity Institute, successful implementation requires long-term commitment, interdepartmental coordination, and rigorous analysis to identify the best opportunities. Challenges include avoiding inefficiencies and ensuring Treasury support. The strategy has potential but will need strong leadership and a focus on results to drive growth.

New Council of the Nations and Regions has first meeting

The inaugural Council of the Nations and Regions met on 11 October 2024 in Edinburgh, with the Prime Minister, devolved government leaders, and regional mayors in attendance. Discussions focused on attracting long-term inward investment ahead of the International Investment Summit and updates on the UK’s Invest 2035 strategy. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on boosting investment across the UK to support economic growth. The Council will reconvene in Spring 2025.

New investment minister to spearhead bolstered Office for Investment

Poppy Gustafsson OBE, former CEO of Darktrace, has been appointed as the new Minister for Investment, leading an enhanced Office for Investment. This appointment, part of a wider Whitehall reorganisation, aims to strengthen partnerships with businesses and investors, driving the UK’s growth agenda. Gustafsson brings extensive experience in business and cybersecurity and will oversee the government’s efforts to boost investment ahead of the International Investment Summit. She will serve as a joint minister for the Department for Business and Trade and the Treasury.

Resetting the UK-EU relationship through strategic dynamic alignment

The UK Government has pledged to improve relations with the EU, aiming to boost economic growth through stronger ties, regulatory cooperation, and trade opportunities. However, firm "red lines" limit the scope for major changes in trading arrangements. Instead, the Government is focusing on practical adjustments, such as reducing regulatory divergence from EU standards, to address the UK's weak post-Brexit goods trade. While aligning more closely with EU regulations could unlock significant economic benefits, it would come at the cost of some regulatory autonomy, particularly in areas like climate and data. Balancing this trade-off is key to realising long-term economic growth from improved UK-EU relations.

Maximising the contribution of UK universities

This report by UniversitiesUK, a collective voice for UK universities, sets out a series of analyses looking at how to stabilise, mobilise and maximise the contribution of universities for economic growth and widening opportunities, offering recommendations to government on policy reform. Including a more reliable financial model for teaching, student maintenance and research, and a sector-led reform utilising a proportionate and quality-based approach to regulation and government of HE. Among its recommendations are: agreement for a tertiary model, utilising a ‘whole-system’ approach for opportunities, and calling for 70% of the population aged 25 to be studying at level 4+ by 2040 with a particular focus on low participation neighbourhoods.

Results from the UK Day One Growth Survey are in

The UK Day One Project surveyed 44 economists and policy experts to advise the new government on boosting economic growth. The report highlights the UK's stagnant productivity, insufficient business investment, and high infrastructure costs. Respondents emphasised sustainable, long-term growth, while critiquing inefficiencies and the lack of a clear growth strategy. Key recommendations include planning reforms, expanding nuclear energy, promoting high-skilled migration, improving regulation, and focusing on urban growth and university spinouts.

GenAI: Which industries and sectors have the greatest potential for value creation?

Research by PwC Strategy& highlights the significant but varied impact of Generative AI (GenAI) across different industries in the UK and EMEA. Sectors like pharmaceuticals, life sciences, banking, media, and technology show the most immediate opportunities for value creation. While GenAI promises efficiency gains in high-cost sectors such as retail and corporate banking, industries like pharma and media are expected to see over 50% of their value from new revenue growth. To unlock this potential, businesses must understand the strategic implications of GenAI, balance risks, ensure strong governance, and build the right infrastructure. Investors should also consider GenAI's impact on future and current portfolios.

City competitiveness redefined: which cities will thrive in the era of climate change?

City competitiveness reflects a commitment to urban quality of life, infrastructure, and resilience, essential in today’s global economy. Collaboration among cities—through shared insights and adaptive strategies—enhances vibrancy, sustainable growth, and preparedness for modern challenges like climate change and public health. This report, by Arup and C40 Cities, stresses that competitiveness is about mutual learning and strategic investment, shaping cities that are both globally appealing and locally responsive for long-term success. London and Manchester are the two UK cities included as case studies in the report.

Getting carbon leakage policy right has potential for massive impact on economy

New research from the Growth Commission warns that adopting a carbon leakage mechanism similar to the EU's Carbon Border Tax Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could significantly harm UK economic growth. The report estimates GDP per capita losses of £150 to £300 if supply chains remain unchanged, potentially rising to £210 to £650 if they realign with CBAM. Conversely, alternative solutions like the Climate and Freedom Accord could increase GDP per capita by over £1,000, emphasising the need for policymakers to consider various options for sustainable economic growth.

Finance, investment and productivity growth in the UK

Research from the Bank of England and The Productivity Institute shows that UK firms' underinvestment and productivity lag are linked to high costs of capital and sluggish adjustments to changing financial conditions. Unexpected sales growth spurs some firms to invest more, highlighting demand's influence over financial constraints. However, many high-growth UK companies face a £14 billion equity funding gap, limiting their investment. Additionally, since the 2008 crisis, capital has disproportionately concentrated in London, leaving other UK regions with higher finance costs and less investment, partially due to quantitative easing favouring London. Find out more about this research here.

UK economic outlook: navigating the endgame

A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) highlights the UK’s economic challenges, citing two decades of weak productivity, low investment, and fewer high-growth firms. Global challenges, high debt levels, and limited policy tools add to these headwinds. While recent GDP growth has improved due to falling energy prices, the IFS notes this is temporary, with inflation and labour pressures easing only gradually. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has started easing rates cautiously, though more adjustments will be needed. Structural improvements could drive a slow recovery through 2026-2027, offering a chance for growth if supported by aligned monetary and fiscal policies.

The Management Mission: How better leaders improve public services

A report by the Social Market Foundation emphasises the critical role of leadership and management in improving UK healthcare, education, and local government services. By spotlighting transformational leaders, it aims to inspire stronger policy support for leadership excellence. While not a cure-all for public sector challenges, effective leadership helps address issues like innovation lags, low morale, and recruitment difficulties. Systematic investment in leadership skills is essential for navigating budget constraints and adapting to future workforce and technology shifts.

Breaking the cycle: Delivering good jobs for ‘doubly disadvantaged’ neighbourhoods

A report by Centre for Progressive Policy and Local Trust highlights severe challenges for England's "doubly disadvantaged" areas, where 2.3 million people face high deprivation and lack social assets. Residents are caught in low-quality job traps, face poor health outcomes, limited job access, and digital exclusion. The report calls for a renewed neighbourhood policy, including a Neighbourhoods Unit, a Community Wealth Fund for social infrastructure, and mayoral support plans to improve skills, growth, and transport. This aligns with the government’s goal of addressing long-term challenges.

Which is the most effective policy to reduce child poverty in the UK?

A new resource by the Institute for Fiscal Studies analyses child poverty in the UK, where 30% of children live in relative poverty, and presents policy options for tackling it. It explores child poverty rates across factors like parental employment, family size, and ethnicity, comparing relative and absolute poverty measures. The government's Child Poverty Taskforce is reviewing benefit policies, wages, and employment strategies. Interactive charts allow users to assess the costs and impacts of various policy options, focusing on reducing poverty and alleviating its depth for low-income households.

Tackling Child Poverty

A report by the Cabinet Office highlights that in 2022/23, 800,000 children were living in a household using a foodbank within the past 12 months and three million children were living in material deprivation. It cites barriers to employment for parents living in disadvantaged households and the cost-of-living crisis as key factors in rising child poverty rates. Looking to develop a 10-year strategy, key areas will focus on: increasing incomes, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience and better local support focussed on children’s early years.

Investing in young people with £150,000 proceeds of crime funding

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s My Community Fund, derived from seized criminal proceeds, has allocated £150,000 to over 40 youth and community projects aimed at reducing crime and supporting young people. Programs funded include anti-violence workshops, boxing sessions, and immersive experiences in prison settings, helping youth make positive life choices and offering mentorship to prevent crime. Commissioner Simon Foster emphasises the fund’s role in reinvesting for safer, empowered communities. My Community Fund applications are expected to re-open next year.

Childhood Origins of Social Mobility Report

An updated and expanded version of the 2016 report by The Social Mobility Commission examines factors that influence social mobility. The informational report outlines 3 key categories of factors of social mobility, parental endowment, parental investments, and children’s lives, with significant inequalities between socio-economic groups. Parents with lower socio-economic status may be less aware of the importance of education, qualifications and hobbies, but cite poor health or less time to spend with children as reasons for not being able to help their children to pursue them.

Assumed knowledge as a hidden barrier to social mobility

This report, by Speakers for Schools, a youth charity, explores assumed knowledge as a hidden barrier to social mobility. It finds significant differences between socio economic groups in: ability to make informed choices at key points post education, knowledge of how to set and achieve career goals, knowledge of how to identify and apply for jobs successfully, and knowledge of how to integrate into workplace culture and develop professionally. Recommendations include guaranteed work experience, careers advisors in every secondary school, mentoring programmes and connecting young people to successful, aspirational role models.

How social mobility can help drive business and the economy forward

This report by DEMOS, an educational charity, examines the ‘Opportunity Effect’, the substantial boost that social mobility can give to business outcomes, economic output, and tax revenue. The report finds that should all businesses invest in social mobility more, there is potential for an additional £19 billion to GDP, £6.8 billion to yearly tax revenues and £1.8 billion to business profits. The report outlines recommendations for Government to create conditions for businesses to prioritise social mobility including skills and funding interventions or tax incentives.

Trustwatch 2024

Trust in Britain’s government is at a record low according to DEMOS, with 45% of the public rarely trusting leaders to prioritise national over party interests, and 58% doubting politicians' truthfulness under pressure. This erosion of trust endangers both democratic function and the government’s vision for renewal. The Trustwatch 2024 report, based on diverse public insights, identifies six drivers of distrust and recommends systemic reforms, honest communication, public engagement, local empowerment, long-term accountability, and a culture shift to rebuild political trust in Britain.

The fight for trust

In "The Fight for Trust," Steve van Riel argues that the UK’s historic low trust in government requires a re-evaluation of trust itself. The paper, part of a new Social Market Foundation series, highlights that while some institutions maintain trust, others, like the police and media, face significant challenges. Van Riel proposes a strategic framework for public bodies to build measurable trust, emphasising the need for targeted efforts to address disparities among demographics. The paper underscores that rebuilding trust is a collective responsibility essential for democratic politics.

New home for police in Canley, Coventry

Coventry’s Canley police station will relocate to a modern 24-hour base at Bow Court, maintaining a community presence with improved technology and resources. The current building, deemed inadequate, will be sold, with proceeds reinvested locally to strengthen policing and support safety initiatives.

It Starts Here

The West Midlands Growth Company launched It Starts Here during another successful Birmingham Tech Week to elevate the region's global profile. The campaign promotes West Midlands as a hub for innovation, aiming to attract investment and job creation, with a focus on green energy, tech, and life sciences. Upcoming sub-campaigns and an international trade mission to India will further spotlight regional strengths. Recent data shows the West Midlands outperforming the UK in foreign investment growth, driven by Birmingham’s record number of projects.

Narrative for Black entrepreneurs needs to change, says scale up founder

UB Healthcare co-founder Uko Umotong advocates for celebrating Black entrepreneurial success beyond challenging backgrounds, emphasising positive narratives. With support from Business Growth West Midlands, UB Healthcare has expanded, securing NHS contracts and exploring international partnerships. Umotong stresses the importance of mentorship and community support, urging Black entrepreneurs to leverage resources like Business Growth West Midlands to unlock growth opportunities and build valuable networks for sustained success.

How to help small firms increase their investment?

To boost SME investment, the UK needs a strategic approach beyond tax cuts and capital allowances argues the Social Market Foundation. UK investment lags behind the OECD by 4.9% of GDP, a gap of £109 billion annually. SMEs, representing 99% of UK businesses, face barriers like liquidity, savings, and financial management. Recommendations include making the "Fair Payment Code" compulsory, providing SMEs with tax administration cost relief, an allowance for retained earnings, and subsidised financial management training.

Reforming the UK’s capital markets to boost science and tech

The UK’s capital markets face declining listings, low liquidity, and reduced investment in growth companies, threatening London's status as a financial centre. Onward and the Tony Blair Institute’s new report calls for bold reforms, including closing the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in favour of a streamlined London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) Main Market listings, creating pre-IPO (initial public offerings) support systems, a Growth Capital Fund, regulatory improvements, and scaling science and tech-focused analysts, aiming to attract innovative companies and support future UK tech leaders.

How the UK can lead in emerging tech regulation

The UK’s innovation is being stifled by over-regulation, warns Onward's report. Regulatory failures due to under-resourcing and lack of coordination are holding back growth, pushing investors abroad. Recommendations include: introducing a government ‘call-in’ power to overrule regulatory decisions, creating a Regulatory Innovation Office, implementing sunset clauses for emerging tech regulations, exempting small businesses from new tech rules, launching a “Lead Regulator” pilot to streamline processes, and establishing an Innovator Taskforce for targeted regulatory support.

A growing sector: The Geospatial Sector Market Report 2024

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Geospatial Commission have published the Geospatial Sector Market Report 2024, which estimates the UK geospatial market's value at over £6 billion, supporting 37,500 jobs and attracting £1.2 billion in investments. With over 2,600 companies relying on geospatial data for core services, the report emphasises the sector's economic importance and anticipates continued growth, providing updated insights based on the 2020 Frontier Economics methodology.

How do firms cope with economic shocks in real time?

A recent paper published by the Competition and Markets Authority links UK microdata to understand how UK firms have responded to the recent energy price shock. It finds firms generally pass costs to customers, build cash reserves, and increase debt, without widespread redundancies or bankruptcies. Small firms tend to stockpile, while large firms invest in capital. The study also identifies six common business response profiles.

Mayor announces plans for first West Midlands Business Festival

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has announced the inaugural West Midlands Business Festival, set for March 2025. Organised by Business Growth West Midlands, the two-week event will connect small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and the wider business community through workshops, networking, and showcases, aiming to boost regional economic growth. The festival supports the Mayor’s goal to make the West Midlands a prime business location, especially for young entrepreneurs. Local businesses can host free events.

Birmingham Airport applies to increase number of night flights

Birmingham Airport has applied to increase its cap on night flights, citing post-pandemic growth and the potential loss of millions in regional revenue if restrictions remain. Currently limited to 4,000 night flights per year, Birmingham Airport seeks to raise the cap to 7.3% of annual air traffic movements, forecasting 7,600 night flights by 2026/27. The Airport argues this change is necessary to support low-cost carriers and avoid a significant reduction in its economic contribution to the West Midlands.

Night Time Economy Summit comes to the West Midlands

The Night Time Economy Summit 2025 will be held in Birmingham from February 5-6 at Hockley Social Club. Organised by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), the summit will feature global representatives and focus on key themes like sustainability, diversity, and the economic impact of nightlife. Highlights include a Queer stage, sustainability discussions led by Earth Percent, and the launch of the Listen for Life Campaign with the World Health Organisation. The summit emphasises collaboration and will feature insights from industry leaders and regional mayors, including Richard Parker.

Winter Wonderland coming to Wolverhampton this Christmas

Wolverhampton's former market square will be transformed into a 'winter wonderland' with a full-size ice rink and entertainment quarter as part of a drive to bring visitors into the city this Christmas. The Harry Jones Company, which is organising the event, claimed it could bring up to 40,000 visitors into the city over the festive period.

Work begins on new indoor market in West Bromwich

Work has started on new indoor market in West Bromwich as the town's ongoing regeneration continues. The new market will blend classic market stalls with modern amenities, including a specialist street food court featuring communal seating.

Labour force headlines

Latest data showed the total claimant count rose by 2.8 percentage points (pp) in the WMCA area from August to September 2024 (UK: 1.2pp). The number of claimants as a proportion of residents aged 16-64 was 8.2% compared to 4.3% for the UK. Across the Combined Authorities, the WMCA had the highest rates, West Yorkshire Combined Authority was the second highest at 5.8% down to 2.2% for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Latest data showed the youth claimant count rose by 2.8pp in the WMCA area from August to September 2024 (UK: 1.9pp). The number of youth claimants as a proportion of residents aged 18-24 was 9.3% compared to 5.3% 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 2.5% for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Largest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation

The new Employment Rights Bill introduced by the Government aims to modernise UK workplace protections by banning zero-hours contracts, ending fire-and-rehire practices, and introducing basic rights from day one. Key provisions include parental and bereavement leave, stronger dismissal protections for pregnant women, and statutory sick pay. The Bill promotes flexible working, introduces a statutory probation period, and requires large employers to address gender equality. It also establishes a Fair Work Agency to enforce rights and support businesses.

Lack of awareness of employment support available to people with disabilities or health conditions

It is estimated there are at least one million people not currently in work who would benefit from accessing disability or health related support. Returning to pre-pandemic employment rates among disabled people would add 130,000 people to the UK’s workforce and grow the economy by £5 billion in real GDP. A report by DEMOSexplores how employment support mechanisms can help people with disabilities and health conditions. Policy recommendations propose funding early intervention and targeted awareness campaigns to improve access, ensure support services are accessible, and ensure there is regular monitoring and evaluation to enable timely adjustments to effectively meet the needs of the individual.

Towards a healthier workforce

This report by The Health Foundation reveals 300,000 people aged 16 to 64 who report having a work limiting health condition leave the workforce each year, and once they have left the workforce these individuals were almost three times less likely to return than those without a health problem. The report describes metal health issues as the key driver, with nearly 5% of the working-age population reporting a work-limiting mental health problem, the proportion doubling between 2013 and 2023. It concludes that for individuals’ poor health can result in lower pay, limited progression and increased financial and health difficulties.

Could devolving employment support help more people into economic activity?

A new report by the Centre for Social Justice advocates for devolving employment support and adult education services to local governments, inspired by successful Scandinavian and Dutch models. It proposes transferring £6bn from Whitehall to local authorities without increasing overall spending. Localised support is deemed more effective than centralised systems for helping economically inactive individuals find sustainable jobs. The plan includes accountability measures and a robust framework, aiming to reduce regional inequality and help the UK government meet its 80% employment target. In the same month, Future Governance Forum released a report making similar arguments for the devolution of employment support in the UK.

Where next for undergraduate fees?

The HEPI report Undergraduate fees revisited proposes 10 changes to improve student loan repayment and funding. Key suggestions include reducing the repayment term to 20 years, introducing a minimum repayment of £10 weekly, adding an employer 1% National Insurance surcharge for graduates, and reintroducing maintenance grants. The plan aims to reduce debt for poorer students, increase university funding, and allow graduates to be debt-free by their early 40s, with any remaining debt written off after 20 years.

Factors influencing secondary school pupils’ educational outcomes

A report by DfE provides a literature review which identifies factors that impact secondary school pupils’ educational progress and outcomes. It finds a positive association between attainment and health and wellbeing, a significant negative association between attainment and indicators of vulnerability (such as having educational special needs or adverse childhood experiences), a strong negative association between attainment and lower socio-economic status. The significant interplay between these factors can have compounding effects on attainment and outcomes, especially for pupils from disadvantaged communities.

State of Learning Report

The 2024 State of Learning Report by Rise Up, a learning and training platform, provides insights into the state of Learning and Development in the labour market from the employers’ perspective and how they are using AI. Key findings include:

• 63% of organisations have dedicated L&D function, with 41% of L&D leaders seeing it as central to business strategy
• 64% reported improved employee engagement and 43% noted improved retention
• 25% reported enhanced innovation and productivity

The Growth and Skills Levy

The new Government has announced a "flexible" Growth and Skills Levy to replace the Apprenticeship Levy, aiming to address shortcomings in apprenticeship programs. Currently, apprenticeships are not effectively helping firms tackle skills shortages or providing young people, especially those with low qualifications, with sufficient opportunities. The new Levy, along with a youth guarantee for 18-21-year-olds, could benefit both businesses and young people by offering more flexibility and increasing apprenticeship access. However, careful design and implementation are crucial to ensure it addresses existing inequalities and leads to effective training outcomes.

AI sector study 2023 to 2024

While concentrated in London, the South East and the East of England (75% of firms), the AI sector has experienced rapid employment growth year-on-year between 2022 and 2023, at over 29%, now employing nearly 65,000 people. However, a report the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology finds that a quarter of employers highlighted difficulties in accessing talent with sufficient technical skills, saying that skills gaps and shortages are a consequence of the skills system lagging behind the sector’s market. AI-orientated SMEs highlights apprenticeships as especially important for the sector.

National Careers Service satisfaction and progress surveys 2023 to 2024

This report by Department for Education (DfE) on the annual report into the National Careers Service (NCS) finds that 71% of users of the NCS achieved learning progression and 49% achieved employment progression following use of the service. With younger users, users of White ethnicity, users who have been unemployed for less than 6 months, and users without disabilities more likely to achieve progression. The West Midlands is in line with national averages across most metrics.

Support for children and young people with special educational needs

A report by the National Audit Office finds demand for Education, Health and Care plans (EHC) plans has increased 140% since 2015 and despite a 58% real terms funding increase over the same period, the system is not delivering better outcomes for children. 69% of young people who had special educational needs (SEN) at Key Stage 4 were in education, apprenticeship or employment after leaving 16-18 study, compared to 58% of those without SEN. Recommendations include inclusive education, early intervention and developing a whole system approach.

Paving a new pathway to prevention

The NHS Confederation and Carnall Farrar (CF) report highlights the economic potential of health system investments, emphasizing that prevention-focused, high-return community interventions could generate significant benefits—potentially up to £11 billion annually. It suggests a systematic, evidence-based approach to selecting interventions, especially for youth, to maximize long-term returns and health equity, recommending data-driven benchmarking and cross-sector collaboration to inform future funding and planning.

Seven priorities for the NHS to tackle health inequalities

Drawing on The King’s Fund five-year programme of work on health inequalities and tackling the worst health outcomes, which includes insights from stakeholders, partners and people with lived experience. The report outlines what the 10-year health plan should focus on to help the NHS do more to tackle these challenges including:

• Develop a cross-government health inequalities strategy for the 10-year health plan to feed into
• Reorientate the NHS to focus on prevention
• Radically change the relationship the NHS has with people and communities, from ‘power over’ to ‘power within’
• Tackle racism and discrimination in the NHS and cultivate a culture of compassion
• Enable staff to identify and act on health inequalities and capture learning
• Empower place-based partnerships to take more decisions about how NHS money is spent
• Actively support local voluntary, community and social enterprises organisations through changes in financial planning and commissioning

Deprivation and infant mortality

As of 2021, England and Wales were ranked 29^th out of 38 OECD countries in infant mortality rate. A study published in The Lancet identifies four contributory factors to explain the association between area deprivation and infant mortality: preterm birth, smoking during pregnancy, maternal age of less than 20 years at childbirth and maternal depression. These factors account for more than one-third of the socio-economic inequality in mortality. But, targeting these factors alone will not stem the rise in infant mortality, and structural efforts to reduce socioeconomic inequalities are also required to prevent these excess infant deaths. According to the Health Foundation, the West Midlands region had the highest infant mortality rate in England in 2022.

The effect of Sure Start on youth misbehaviour, crime and contacts with children’s social care

Access to Sure Start centre's between ages 0 and 4 significantly reduced youth crime resulting in convictions or custodial sentences, according to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). The analysis found a 13% reduction in criminal convictions by age 16, with a 20% drop in theft and drug-related convictions. However, access also led to some increases in minor infractions, with a 10% rise in early misdemeanours by age 12 and higher school suspension and absence rates. Sure Start had no substantial impact on children’s social care referrals, though children in care during late primary school years spent 13% less time in care if they had early access to Sure Start. Financially, IFS estimates that each pound spent on Sure Start in 2010 helped avert about 19 pence in public youth justice and social care costs, equating to roughly £500 million in annual savings. A full cost–benefit analysis, integrating impacts on health, education, and other outcomes, is forthcoming in future IFS reports.

The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England

In 2023/24, the number of total posts in social care increased year-on-year with the vacancy rate decreasing, driven in part by growing international recruitment. Data published by Skills for Care, an adult social care workforce charity, highlights the turnover rate in the local authority and independent sector sits at 24.8%, the lowest since 2015. The sector vacancy rate is almost triple that of the wider economy. Many job leavers also choose to remain in the sector, as 57% of new recruitment is from within adult social care. Skills wise, just around half of the workforce held a relevant social care qualification.

Adult social care in England: what next?

A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies highlights mounting pressures on adult social care in England, with a £24.5 billion budget for 2024-25 split between elderly and working-age adults. Strict eligibility tests limit access, and recent reforms to cap care costs have been abandoned, leaving financial risks for many. Rising demand, especially among younger adults, adds to strain, while reliance on local taxes creates funding gaps across regions. Workforce shortages are worsened by restrictive immigration policies, and new initiatives to improve care wages will likely require further funding. The report calls for reforming carer’s allowance to remove the earnings cliff-edge and improve support.

Why planning is the most important tool cities can use to fight climate change

Increasing urban density through strategic planning is vital for reducing UK emissions according to the Centre for Cities. Dense cities promote public transit and reduce car dependency, lowering transport emissions. Smaller, urban homes also emit less carbon and support efficient heat networks, which reduce energy waste. Planning reforms that support higher densities near transit hubs enable cities to meet net-zero targets, making planning a key tool for climate action.

Brownfield Passports – the key to denser cities?

In a new blog the Centre for Cities looks at brownfield passports - the UK government’s proposal to streamline planning for urban development, and promoting denser cities by prioritising brownfield sites. The policy seeks to ease planning approvals on previously developed land but faces political hurdles due to suburban opposition. Experts argue a zoning system, like those abroad, would better balance urban densification with local concerns. While zoning isn’t yet policy, increasing political interest hints it could soon shape planning reform discussions.

17,310 households homeless in the WMCA area

324,990 households were assessed as owed a homeless duty in England between April 2023 and March 2024. In the WMCA area 17,310, households were owed a homeless duty. This is equivalent to 8.44 households assessed as owed a duty per 100,000 in the WMCA area. This is higher than both the England figure (7.38) and the wider West Midlands region (7.75).

Highways UK, Birmingham NEC, 16-17 October 2024 - Ministerial keynote address

Minister for the Future of Road, Lillian Greenwood MP, gave a passionate address to the Highways UK conference - setting out the government’s priorities for roads and how the sector can thrive in the future. Highways UK is the must-attend for the highways and road infrastructure sector in the United Kingdom. It is the place for market knowledge, innovation and new business, for the entire value-chain. The Minister talked across a number of important thematic issues and areas - but in summary:

• Roads and Highways are more than just traffic and tarmac – roads allow us all to achieve our ambitions and links people with places.
• Roads will be critical for a greener future – especially as we are transitioning to EVs and growing our public transport and sustainable transport networks.
• The Strategic Road Network (SRN) is still the backbone of the UK and will be supported in terms of renewals and maintenance. A national, multiyear Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) will be published.
• Some difficult decisions will need to be made – with trade-offs on some infrastructure investment decisions.
• Critical that we tackle the poor state of our roads and pledged to fix 1m potholes. This is to be supported by adequate local funding over a longer period – and backed by new road condition monitoring standards.
• Road Safety is a critical duty and this will be backed by a new national Road Safety Strategy – delivering mission led Government.

The Minister also launched the Highways Sector Councils 'Ways of Life' Campaign.  This campaign has been developed to showcase the positive role highways play in people’s modern lives and the many opportunities there are for rewarding careers in the sector. Designed by early and mid-career professionals to accurately portray highways and transport work, the campaign challenges preconceived notions about the sector and celebrates the crucial part highways play in helping people to live connected lives. The campaign features several promotional videos with the aim of motivating individuals to learn more about highways and consider joining the highways and transport sector in what is an exciting and important time.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands confirms partnership with National Highways

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands gave a keynote speech at Highways UK conference at the National Exhibition Centre on Thursday 17^th October and recommitted to make highways and transport better for everyone in the West Midlands.  See his X post here.

New city-wide transport metrics for Birmingham unleash the power of ‘always on’ sensors

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) Data Insight Team and Birmingham City Council (BCC) have collaborated to create an automated, integrated approach for generating traffic metrics which are updated using always on traffic sensors. The collaboration aims to develop a comprehensive system that monitors traffic patterns and vehicle trends on a monthly basis across Birmingham's highway network, providing valuable insights for transport planning and policy decisions.  Read more here.

Urban Transport Group urges Government to protect vital bus services

City regions across England called for vital funding for the bus to be extended in the Budget, to ensure Government can meet its own ambitions on protecting and enhancing bus services.  The Urban Transport Group (the UK’s network of transport authorities) has published a new paper in which it urges Government to extend a number of funding streams for the bus until the beginning of the Spending Review period, in April 2026. Read more here.

The sustainable route to improving road safety

An article by ARUP highlights that despite improvements in road design, safer vehicles, and public safety campaigns, road accidents continue to rise, with 1.35 million preventable deaths in 2018. The UN's goal to reduce global road fatalities by 50% by 2020 was missed, indicating a need for new strategies. Urbanisation, growing populations, and mixed road use have disproportionately affected vulnerable groups such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. ARUP argues that a human-centred, outcome-driven approach, integrating broader sustainability goals and focusing on social and environmental factors, is key to improving road safety.

Beyond congestion charging: pricing the urban travel ecosystem

An article by ARUP discusses Copenhagen's efforts to promote sustainable mobility as part of its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2025, despite rising private car usage. The city faces a challenge balancing private vehicle use with its desire to reduce congestion and promote greener alternatives like public and active transport. While a congestion charge is one option, ARUP highlights the potential social and financial drawbacks, such as unfair burden on lower-income residents and limited long-term revenue. The article advocates for a more holistic, ecosystem-based approach to urban transport that encourages low-impact travel and integrates incentives for zero-emission vehicles, logistics, and public transport. The aim is to create a livable, green city that benefits all residents equitably.

Time for a new Coventry to Nottingham rail link?

A proposed rail link between Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham could create 3,000 skilled jobs, including 70 apprenticeships, adding £68 million in economic value and nearly £11 million in social benefits over seven years, while reducing journey times and easing road congestion, according to analysis by Midlands Connect.

Inaugural meeting of new Mayoral Council held in October

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner chaired the first-ever Mayoral Council, focusing on shifting power from Westminster to local communities through devolution. The meeting brought together regional mayors to discuss the upcoming English Devolution White Paper, which aims to expand devolution and deepen mayoral powers to drive economic growth. The Council will meet quarterly, fostering partnerships between central government and local leaders, aligning efforts to boost investment, growth, and living standards across the UK.

How Mayors and Combined Authorities can help deliver Labour's public services missions

A new paper from Labour Together proposes decentralising England’s public services by empowering Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) to manage key services like health, policing, and education. MCAs, with their economic and local expertise, could address challenges like reoffending rates, public health, and education outcomes, complementing local authorities and reducing central government control. The Government could build on this by devolving powers, providing flexible funding, and promoting MCA-level commissioning expertise, creating a more efficient and locally responsive public service system.

New BusinessLDN report highlights further devolution as key driver of future productivity

To boost the economy, increased devolution is recommended in BusinessLDN’s recent report, giving city regions like London, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands more control over finances, decision-making, and policies. Devolution would allow faster, more responsive, and coordinated local decisions, improving growth, housing, and infrastructure. Key proposals include a flexible budget, autonomous revenue streams, and expanded responsibilities through the "trailblazer" devolution deal.

How the government can extend devolution to the whole of England

After a decade of devolution, many English regions are led by mayors with economic powers, but devolution remains uneven, with about half the population—nearly 30 million people—living in areas without devolved governance. The new Labour government aims to expand devolution, inviting local leaders in so-called "devolution deserts" to propose collaborations for greater autonomy. A new report by the Institute for Government analyses how the government should navigate these decisions, highlighting a strategic choice between smaller, county-based deals that simplify governance or larger regional arrangements that could support more ambitious growth strategies.

Net Zero Tracker releases 2024 stocktake

The world must reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions by the early 2050s to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The 2024 Net Zero Stocktake reports significant progress in net zero target-setting, but over 40% of entities still lack targets. Only 5% of non-state entities meet minimum credibility standards for net zero goals. Subnational governments are key players, with some surpassing national targets. Urgent, credible action is needed to turn targets into implementation, with COP30 in 2025 being a crucial moment for change. Recommendations for policymakers include, improving vertical alignment, providing guidance, strengthening accountability, subnational autonomy, and increasing credibility.

The path to a fair transition for the transport sector

This report by the Resolution Foundation explores the impact of decarbonising UK travel on low-to-middle income households, focusing on electric cars, public transport, and aviation. Travel, which accounts for a large portion of household budgets, is dominated by cars. The shift to electric vehicles is creating significant cost savings, but lower-income households face barriers, including reliance on expensive public charging. While driving costs could fall by 60% by 2050, public transport fares are set to rise, disproportionately affecting poorer households. Additionally, aviation emissions, driven mostly by wealthier households, are expected to surpass surface transport emissions by 2036.

Should there be a frequent flying levy in Europe?

European air traffic poses a major challenge to climate goals, as its emissions are rising despite limited technological advancements. Current policies inadequately address the issue, often exempting air traffic from standard taxes. The New Economics Foundation has proposed a frequent flying levy (FFL) to address inequities in aviation emissions, where the wealthiest 1% generate 50% of emissions while 80% have never flown. The FFL would tax flights incrementally, significantly reduce emissions, and raise funds for a fairer transition, supporting communities affected by climate change.

How UK industries are navigating the energy challenge - PwC UK Energy Survey 2024

As energy prices remain volatile and government support wanes, businesses must shift from short-term strategies to a long-term approach to build resilience. With most firms expecting rising energy costs to negatively impact profits, controlling both energy usage and pricing is critical. Developing a comprehensive energy strategy that addresses both cost and carbon emissions is essential, involving long-term investments and operational changes. Businesses need better visibility of their energy use and must integrate supply and demand management. Tackling energy costs and decarbonisation together, rather than as competing priorities, will require cross-functional collaboration, leadership, and a commitment to lasting change.

HyDEX launches hydrogen ‘toolkit’ for local authorities

HyDEX has launched a toolkit to help local authorities understand hydrogen's role in supporting net-zero goals, providing accessible guidance for policy decision-making. This toolkit aims to assist local leaders in navigating hydrogen's potential and challenges, supporting informed, sustainable energy decisions at the local level to drive the UK's progress toward net-zero.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery set to reopen

After a four-year renovation, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery reopened with revamped spaces and new displays in October celebrating the city's heritage, like the "Made in Birmingham" exhibit featuring iconic local items. Updated galleries showcase diverse artworks, including works by South Asian women and notable artists like Curtis Holder. Funded by Arts Council England, the reopening emphasises inclusivity and Birmingham’s cultural legacy.

Access to local amenities data release by ONS

ONS have published the latest release of Access to Local Amenities in England and Wales Data which provides an interactive analysis of access to amenities including ATMS, dentists, time to railway stations and number of places of religious worship.