Stay informed: Must-know highlights for October 2024

Continued stagnation in the UK economy in July

In July 2024, the UK's real GDP showed no growth, mirroring June's stagnation. However, GDP grew by 0.5% in the three months to July compared to the previous three months, driven by widespread growth in the services sector. In July, services output rose by 0.1%, while production output fell by 0.8% after a rise in June. Construction output also declined by 0.4% in July but saw a 1.2% increase over the three months, marking its first positive growth since September 2023.

Chancellor hints at freeing up a potential £50bn for investment in the UK

The Chancellor is considering revising fiscal rules to boost investment in green initiatives and economic growth while maintaining debt control, as outlined in her Labour Party conference speech. These changes could redefine debt metrics and potentially exclude losses from quantitative easing, allowing more borrowing without breaching fiscal targets. However, with debt at 100% of GDP, there are concerns about the extent of these adjustments. Economists suggest cautious modifications could reassure markets and drive beneficial public investments.

Labour market updates: a mixed picture

ONS have published the latest available Labour Force Survey data for May 2024 to July 2024:

In the wider West Midlands region:

• Employment rate (16-64) is estimated at 73.5%.
• Unemployment rate (16+) is estimated at 4.7%.
• Economic inactivity rate (16-64) is estimated at 22.9%.

In the WMCA area:

• Claimant count is 8.2% (150,220 residents claiming benefits), up 0.2pp on the quarter.
• Youth (aged 18-24) claimant count is (26,245 18–24-year-olds claiming benefits), up 2.2pp on the quarter.
• No quarterly update on employment rate available at the WMCA level.

6% increase in goods exported from the West Midlands region – second highest of UK regions

In the year ending Q2 2024, the West Midlands region goods exports increased by nearly £2.0bn (+6.0%) compared to the previous annual period, the second highest percentage increase across the UK regions behind Northern Ireland (+6.8%). Conversely, UK exports decreased by 6.7% to £356.8bn.

Planning reform is essential to boost investor confidence and unlock growth

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), a not-for-profit organisation, launched the report "Planning for Growth", which calls for reforms to the UK’s planning system to promote economic growth, highlighting key measures such as streamlining processes, increasing local planning authorities' capacity, and ensuring planning consistency to boost investor confidence and support critical infrastructure, housing, and decarbonisation initiatives.

A progressive approach to business rates reform will support growth

The CBI, a UK business organisation, has launched a new report proposing a roadmap to reform the outdated UK business rates system, advocating for a more progressive tax approach, annual revaluations from 2029, and investment support to encourage business growth, with the key finding that the government should abandon its revenue neutrality principle to enable meaningful and fair reform.

Universities play a key role in boosting growth and productivity across the UK

A recent report by London Economics, a policy and economics consultancy, reveals that the UK's higher education sector generated an economic impact of £265 billion in 2021/22, with teaching, research, and innovation contributing £158 billion. The analysis, commissioned by Universities UK, shows a cost-benefit ratio of 14:1, meaning every £1 of public money invested in universities yields £14 in economic benefit. The report, focusing on 906,000 domestic students, highlights significant returns to the public purse, with the Treasury gaining £75,000 per graduate. It also points to broader societal benefits of higher education, such as improved productivity, better health outcomes, and reduced crime rates.

How can academic research transform policymaking? Lessons from the WM-REDI partnership

A celebration event was held on 10 October 2024, following the completion of the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WM-REDI) partnership, which sought to “bring a practical research and intelligence function to the economic benefit of the region”. A report was launched, “The WM-REDI Story”, setting out how the partnership developed a powerful model to help evaluate changes in the national or regional economy; conducted a range of comparative benchmarking projects with partners to assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of the UK regions; and delivered workshops and training programmes to accelerate three types of economic and social impact.

Small business, big world: Ways to boost UK small business exports

Expanding the number of small businesses that export could significantly enhance the UK’s economic growth, but recent trends in small business exports are not promising. This report by Social Market Foundation, a think tank, outlines three main strategies to improve small business exports: increasing the use of trade technology, encouraging more female-led businesses to export, and improving access to emerging markets. It also discusses how to overcome the obstacles hindering progress in each area.

Foundations: Why Britain has stagnated – investment, energy, and infrastructure is the key to unlocking growth

Foundations: Why Britain has stagnated is a 100,000 word report by Ben Southwood (Founder and Editor of Works in Progress, a magazine, and Create Streets, a thinktank), Sam Hughes (Research Fellow, at the University of Oxford and Head of Housing at Centre for Policy Studies, a thinktank), and Sam Bowman (Editor, Works in Progress) setting out why the UK economy has stagnated. It sets out, in detail, how our low levels of investment in housing, infrastructure, and energy have contributed to the UK's economic malaise, and how increasing investment, lowering energy costs, and improving infrastructure (e.g. transport) is, the defining task of our generation.

Fiscal risks and sustainability: UK public debt pressures will be further exacerbated by climate change

This report by the Office for Budget Responsibility highlights that based on current policy and the latest demographic projections, UK public debt is projected to almost triple over the next 50 years, from just under 100% of GDP to more than 270% of GDP. The estimated damage to the economy and public finances from a changing climate could add between 20% and 30% of GDP to these pressures on debt, while improving the health of the population could reduce them by more than 40% of GDP by the mid 2070s.

Good Growth for Cities: September

This latest emphasises the importance of accelerating devolution and establishing local accountability frameworks to drive inclusive growth across the UK. It highlights how place-based strategies have gained momentum and are essential for addressing the growing economic challenges in housing, education, and jobs. With increasing disparities between and within cities, targeted local development strategies can help local authorities respond effectively. Financial wellbeing has emerged as the public's top concern, underscoring the need for these strategies.

Two of the WMCA’s constituent local authorities are covered in case studies: in particular, Walsall’s focus on community safety, health, improving skills, and employment – backed by a long-term “We Are Walsall 2040” initiative; and Wolverhampton’s investment in the engines of productivity growth through its transformation of schools, investment in culture, and affordable housing in well-connected neighbourhoods.

Who benefits from local growth interventions?

The What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth report from August 2024 reviews the impact of local economic growth interventions on minority ethnic and immigrant groups, finding that these groups often benefit less from policies like apprenticeships and business advice compared to majority ethnic or non-immigrant groups. It suggests that policymakers should address barriers to participation and outcomes through tailored interventions.

Social Mobility Commission’s State of the Nation Report 2024

The Social Mobility Commission, an advisory non-departmental public body, have released an annual report on social mobility across the UK. It highlights that since last year, the percentage of children in relative poverty has risen. The report argues youth unemployment levels are at their lowest since 2014, however there are fewer vacancies per unemployed person. The report identifies comparatively good educational outcomes for free school meal (FSM) eligible pupils in the WMCA area. Alongside London, the WMCA is highlighted as the region in which eligible pupils are most likely to achieve passes (grade 5 or above) in English and Maths at GCSE. Overall, in the WMCA, passes in Maths and English were lower than the national average suggesting that either FSM pupils in the authority area significantly out-performing non-FSM students, or the gap between FSM and non-FSM achievement is close in the WMCA and much wider in the rest of the country.

Data is available broken down at the local authority level and places each measure (Promising prospects, Conditions of childhood, Labour market opportunities for young people and Innovation and growth) into categories (Least favourable, Unfavourable, Middle group, Favourable, Most Favourable) based on composite scores. The data highlights that Sandwell is categorised into the ‘least favourable’ category for conditions for childhood and Birmingham as categorised into the ‘least favourable’ category for labour market opportunities for young people.

Low-income students and university challenges

A blog by Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO), a charity, highlights only 5.3% of free school meal pupils enter high tariff universities, compared to 14.6% of non-fsm students. Meanwhile the maintenance loan threshold (household income below £25,000) for the maximum student loan has remained static since 2008. Putting pressure on students, especially those from low-income backgrounds.

Economic returns of supporting local social

The What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth evidence briefing outlined the local economic impacts of supporting social infrastructure, such as community centres and public spaces, which enhance social capital. The report highlights challenges in measuring the conversion of social capital into economic outcomes but suggests benefits include increased local attractiveness, support for businesses, and job creation. Policymakers are encouraged to focus on monitoring and evaluating these impacts to improve future decision-making.

Rethinking Regional Policy: Embracing the Capability Approach

The capability approach emphasises improving people's opportunities and freedoms, focusing on what truly matters to individuals, such as the ability to work, travel, and connect with others. A blog post by City-REDI highlights the need to address constraints like disabilities and social barriers that limit access to opportunities. While challenging to measure, prioritising capabilities through participatory decision-making can lead to more inclusive policies. The approach balances individual and collective well-being, urging a shift in policy planning toward ultimate goals that reflect people's lived experiences and aspirations, fostering a more equitable and thriving society.

Wellbeing Economy in Action

A report by the Centre for Thriving Places highlights the urgent need to shift from outdated economic growth models to a "wellbeing economy" focused on equity, sustainability, and thriving communities. The report argues that across the UK, local leaders are innovating policies that prioritise quality of life, reducing inequality, and environmental restoration. Challenging central government’s focus on GDP.  The WMCA’s inclusive growth ‘doughnut’ is highlighted as one of the case studies of how culture change can be mobilised.

The Living Standards Outlook 2024

The sixth annual Living Standards Outlook assesses incomes, poverty, and inequality for 2024-25 and projects trends through 2029-30, using current economic forecasts and policies. It also examines the impact of three scenarios, including optimistic earnings growth and social security policy changes. Following the worst period for income growth, the new government is focusing on economic growth as a key to improving living standards, but the outlook for incomes remains weak despite a promising 2024-25.

Unpaid carers more likely to be in poverty than non-carers

This report by Carers UK, highlights the growing issue of poverty among unpaid carers in the UK. Of the 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK, 1.2 million live in poverty and 400,000 in deep poverty, this is 50% higher rates compared to non-carers. The report highlights difficulties that unpaid carers face. Calling for fundamental reforms from DWP, National Government and Local Authorities. Recommendations within the next 2-3 years include a raise for the Carers Addition, Carers Element and Carer Premium, a review of current support provided to unpaid carers and better support to carers’ return back to employment. Recommendations within the next 5 years include legislation to provide all unpaid carers with a statutory right to a break from their caring responsibilities and legislation to place a new statutory duty on the NHS for carers.

Inequalities in Life Lessons

A report by The Sutton Trust underlines the importance of ‘life skills’, such as communication, motivation, confidence and oracy in education and in the workforce. It highlights differences in life skills provision between state and independent schools, as well as inequalities in participation in extra-curricular activities between students eligible for free-school meals (fsm) and those who are ineligible. There is strong evidence to support a link between life skills and better employment opportunities.

Public Policymaking: From AI to Digital Minimalism

A blog by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, suggests AI, both predictive and generative, offers significant benefits to public policymaking by analysing complex data and optimising resources, making policy more "data-driven" and seemingly objective. However, the risk lies in AI replacing genuine policymaking with a technical, surface-level fix that fails to address deeper structural issues. While AI can assist in policy decisions, it may obscure and even amplify underlying problems rather than solving them.

How the UK can build strategic advantage in frontier technologies

A report by Onward, a thinktank, claims the UK's ambitions to become a science superpower depend on leveraging frontier technologies like AI, quantum, and semiconductors, which are key to driving scientific progress, national security, and global competitiveness. The UK’s current inability to turn its science strengths into power due to not selecting and leveraging niches, not investing in public goods and restraining private enterprise. Meaning that despite its strong scientific output, the UK's investment lags behind global leaders like China and the EU, posing a risk of missing out on crucial economic and security opportunities in these transformative fields.

Whole Place transformation

A report by Localis, a think tank, draws on research and conversations with local leadership to uncover what needs to happen at a local level to improve public services and revive local economies. The report outlines a number of recommendations for Local and Central government which include empowering people, working in partnership, focussing and investing in prevention and encouraging innovation and transformation.

Police and Crime Commissioner opens new police museum in Coventry after relocation

West Midlands Police has opened its newly relocated Coventry Police Museum in the city centre, located in the Coventry City Council House. Unveiled by Police & Crime Commissioner Simon Foster on September 4^th, the museum showcases police history, images, and artifacts. The museum aims to educate the public, particularly young people, about policing.

Rise in the number of people claiming health related benefits

Two recently released reports set out an increase in the number of people claiming ill-health and disability related benefits. A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, an independent research institute, notes that the UK has seen a substantial increase in the number of individuals claiming health related benefits, since the COVID-19 pandemic, with these numbers predicted to rise further. During the same period other developed countries have seen a fall in the number of claims for health-related disabilities. Adding further concern, the number of claimants of disability benefits for people aged under-40 has grown 150% since before the pandemic, from 4,500 a month in 2019-20 to 11,500 in 2023-24. A thought paper written for the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, a charity, reviews the rise in post-pandemic health related inactivity, offering policy recommendations to boost labour market participation. It stresses that reversing this trend will require systemic changes, focusing on improving health, increasing economic opportunities, and enhancing workforce participation. Key suggestions include early intervention for at-risk workers, financial incentives, and reassessing employer responsibilities.

Lower qualified workers at greatest risk in the labour market

A report by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), an independent provider of education research and insights, identifies that 12 million people are in occupations which are projected to decline by 2035, including secretarial, administrative, sales and elementary occupations. Additionally, around 50% of workers in high-risk occupations are qualified at level 2 or below, while only a quarter are qualified at level 4 or higher. In contrast, over 50% of workers in growing occupations are qualified at level 4 or higher. This constitutes a significant barrier to transferring out of high risk occupations, in which workers qualified at level 4 or higher are more likely to be successful.

Tackling long-term insecure work

With one is five workers in severely unsecure work. The Work Foundation, a think tank, finds that workers who start their careers in insecure work are far more likely to fall into ‘long-term insecurity’, than those who started in secure work. Accessing secure work often requires workers to move sectors, often leaving work where insecure is concentrated. Calling for action to ensure people can access higher quality jobs, in both the supply and demand side.

Equality in Higher Education fund launched

Office for Students has launched a £2 million Equality in Higher Education fund to address risks to equality of opportunity to access, succeed in, and progress from higher education. It aims to support institutions in creating innovative ways to tackle risks as well as facilitate new sector-wide practices and collaborations.

Who is losing learning?

This report by the IPPR, a think tank, looks at the compounding effects of disadvantage and ‘lost learning’. Children losing the most learning are those facing the greatest challenges in their lives. The report finds there is a £1.6 billion cost to the state over a lifetime for a single cohort of permanently excluded children. The evidence shows that the poorest children are four times more likely to be suspended and Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are five times more likely to be permanently excluded.

Amazon Web Services investment to boost growth

The Chancellor has announced a five year, £8 billion investment deal with Amazon Web Services, estimated to support around 14,000 jobs in the UK per year.

Working Carers employment arrangements

With 2.8 million working carers in the UK, a report by Carers UK, a charity, highlights the importance of better employment arrangements for carers. With the benefit of delivering significant savings for employers and the broader UK economy, by preventing unplanned absences and improving employee retention among working carers.

Ofsted phases out single word inspection results

After a large-scale consultation with parents, professionals and unions Ofsted have decided to scrap single word inspection outcomes in favour of more comprehensive report cards. This part of a wider reform. The report covers many areas for improvement, such as approach to inspection and reporting, organisational culture, transparency and responsiveness to feedback. Other new tools also introduced to increase inclusion and support for the most disadvantaged pupils, as well as enhance children’s safety and wellbeing.

Working for the future

This final report of the Commission on the Future of Employment Support by the Institute for Employment Studies, addresses the broad issues of falling labour market participation, poverty, job insecurity and long standing inequalities in terms of employment support. The report outlines the Commission’s final proposals, arguing for recommendations in four main areas: approach to the governments’ new Jobs and Careers service, new Labour market partnerships within local areas, ending the ‘compliance culture’ in job centres and a clear framework for a reformed services across national and local services.

There is a motherhood penalty in job quality

A report from King’s College Global Institute for Women’s Leadership highlights that in addition to a motherhood penalty in pay, mothers, particularly those with young children, also face a penalty in “job quality”.  That is, they face penalties in working hours, flexibility and job security. This is often linked to jobs being part-time – while it is understood as a form of “flexible” working, in reality, it ironically often provides less overall flexibility than full time jobs. This does not seem to affect fathers, who often had higher levels of job quality than all other groups – including men who are not fathers – and therefore, facing a fatherhood bonus in job quality – though this was often linked to societal pressures on men more than necessarily any accommodation of fatherhood by employers.

UK Health challenges and its impacts

A report by the IPPR explores the UK’s health challenge and its impact on employment, the NHS, and the national economy. Better health is linked to higher productivity and higher earnings, and by extension higher public revenue from taxes. The report argues that health policy should move away from a reactive approach and emphasise health across society, including early intervention and expansion of employment support for people out of work due to long-term illness or disability.

Improving our nation’s health

In this report, by Boston Consulting Group (BCG)’s Centre for Growth and NHS Confederation considers how the UK faces interconnected health challenges, such as access to services and the link between health and work, which require a whole-of-government approach. Current systems often address symptoms rather than root causes, leading to issues such as the sharp rise in people out of the workforce due to long-term sickness. This impacts both individual wellbeing and the economy, necessitating coordinated government action. To address this, the NHS Confederation and Boston Consulting Group have partnered to propose practical solutions in a new report, aimed at policymakers, the NHS, and other stakeholders focused on social determinants of health.

Independent Investigation of the National Health Service in England

In July 2024, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care commissioned Lord Darzi to conduct an independent investigation into the NHS in England. Lord Darzi's report examines the current performance of the NHS, focusing on patient access to healthcare, the quality of care provided, and the overall performance of the health system. The report finds that the NHS is in critical condition with a lack of capital investment, managerial capacity and capability degraded by management reforms and the trust of frontline staff has been lost. However, the report highlights strengths in clinical talent and a shared passion and determination of staff to make the NHS better for patients. The report outlines several key actions to repair the NHS; re-engage staff and re-empower patients, drive productivity in hospitals, shift care closer to home, embrace new multidisciplinary models of care, use technology to unlock productivity and reform the structure of the NHS.

Streeting sets out three NHS ‘shifts’ ahead of Darzi review publication

Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, outlined three key shifts for NHS reform: moving care from hospitals to the community, advancing from analogue to digital, and focusing on prevention over treatment. Paul Corrigan, a former Blair adviser, has been appointed to help shape a 10-year NHS reform plan, informed by the rapid investigation led by Lord Darzi.

West Midlands Mental Health Commission

, the West Midlands Mental Health Commission reviewed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on regional mental health and wellbeing, revealing an urgent need to address the crisis. A ‘One year on’ review identified the effects of uncertainty, grief, and isolation, amidst austerity. It proposes thirteen recommendations for action. These recommendations aim to foster long-term change, improve mental health services, and create a thriving, equitable community.

Health inequalities affecting children and young people

With 30% of children (4.3 million children) affected by child poverty there are significant effects on health inequalities. This article by the Nuffield Trust reviews children’s hospital data to explore the how health inequalities affect children and young people. The article identifies previous examples that can reduce health inequalities. Arguing that tackling child health inequalities is crucial for both human and financial costs. With the Labour government’s new taskforce aims to address child poverty as part of the strategy to reduce health disparities.

State of the Integrated Care Systems: challenges in tackling the problems of today while preparing for tomorrow

On 26 September, the Integrated Care Systems Network, part of the NHS Confederation, a membership organisation of NHS organisations, published its latest “state of integrated care systems” report. The report highlight positive beliefs amongst NHS leaders about the progress made towards the four purposes of NHS Integrated Care Systems, that is, improving population health and healthcare outcomes; enhancing productivity and value for money; tacking inequalities in outcomes, experience and access; and helping the NHS to support broader social and economic development. However, it highlights concerns around balancing the strategic ambitions with the fiscal realities, noting difficulties in balancing short-term challenges with the longer-term priorities.

Assessing the role of planning reform in meeting the Government’s housing targets

The government has prioritised planning reform to achieve its goal of delivering 1.5 million additional homes by the end of this Parliament. This briefing by the Resolution Foundation, a think tank, outlines how the proposed reforms to the planning system could contribute to meeting this target, whilst also identifying other constraints on housing supply that the government should address as part of a broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery.

Development Corporations can help solve Britain’s housing crisis

Onward, a think tank, published a report argues the case for development corporations becoming the designated planning authority for new sites. Arguing that development corporations bring predictability back to England’s planning system, deliver at pace and are excellent catalysts of private sector investment.

How the government can build more homes

This report by the Institute for Government, a think tank, explores why successive UK governments have struggled to address the chronic housing shortage, despite making it a top priority. With the new Labour government pledging to build 1.5 million new homes in five years through planning reform, new towns, and a surge in social and affordable housing. The report outlines the historical barriers to progress and offers 10 key principles for the current and future governments to adopt in overcoming these challenges and delivering on housing promises. The recommendations emphasise making house building a consistent political priority, defining clear goals, and balancing housing ambitions with other policy objectives. They suggest prioritising national housing targets over local opposition, planning housing where it’s most needed, and aligning new developments with local infrastructure. Ensuring local areas benefit, improving the planning system’s efficiency, supporting industry skill development and regularly reviewing outcomes are also identified as essential.

Temporary accommodation use at record high

A report published by the Centre for Homelessness Impact (CHI), one of the network of ‘What Works’ organisations, finds the use of temporary accommodation in England is at record levels, with 117,450 households in such accommodation in March 2024, including 151,630 children living in temporary accommodation. The report also highlights a considerable growth in spending on temporary accommodation, which does not constitute good value for money. With homelessness spending pressures now having the potential to destabilise the financial stability of some local authorities.

With no national strategy for temporary accommodation and substantial gaps in both national and local data on the cost of such accommodation there is cause for concern. The report outlines a number of key recommendations including a national strategy to address the use of temporary accommodation and a review of funding to ensure its effective use and financial stability for authorities. The report recommends the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government to set quality standards, improve data on its costs and use. It recommends local authorities to review data on temporary accommodation use, and improve existing provision by reducing inflow and promoting faster move on from temporary accommodation into more permanent accommodation.

Measuring success in active travel policy

Central and regional policy is to increase active travel. To support this, the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) Policy, Strategy and Innovation team have developed a measure to monitor modal share that allows for improved geographic scale and update frequency. The data is reported using trip stages, in quarters from April 2023 and shows increases in walking with commensurate reductions in driving/lifts. See the full report here.

Proposed changes to bus franchising guidance

The government is committed to improving bus services, increasing passenger numbers, and expanding opportunities in underserved regions by empowering local leaders through bus franchising. To support this, it plans to remove barriers in the franchising process. A consultation by the Department for Transport is being conducted to gather feedback on proposed updates to the franchising guidance, which outlines how franchising legislation operates and the statutory duties of authorities. The updates aim to eliminate technical barriers and enhance the safety and accessibility of bus services. The consultation includes a document detailing the proposed changes and related questions.

Mayors flesh out plan for Midlands-North West rail

Metro mayors Andy Burnham and Richard Parker propose a new 80km railway line connecting Birmingham and Greater Manchester to replace the scrapped northern leg of HS2. The line, split into two parts, would link Lichfield to Crewe and Crewe to High Legh, connecting with Northern Powerhouse Rail. Expected to cost 60-75% less than HS2 while delivering 85% of its benefits, the project would ease congestion on the West Coast Main Line and boost the regional economy by £70bn. The mayors urge government backing to begin feasibility work and attract investment, positioning the UK for future infrastructure growth.

Transport hub boosting employment and economy

The Midlands Rail Hub, the region’s largest rail improvement project, is set to create over 12,750 new jobs, including skilled engineering and project management roles, with 300 apprenticeships expected during the 2025-2033 construction phase. The project, aimed at improving connections between Birmingham and cities like Bristol, Cardiff, and Nottingham, will also inject £240 million into the economy via the supply chain and generate £45 million in social value benefits. The government fully committed to the project last year, with an additional £123 million allocated in February for engineering designs.

ICE briefing paper: the cancellation of HS2’s northern leg – learning lessons

This briefing paper by the Institution of Civil Engineers outlines key lessons from the cancellation of HS2’s northern leg for future large-scale infrastructure projects in the UK. It examines decision-making in planning, procurement, and delivery of HS2 to understand the reasons behind escalating costs and declining support. Drawing insights from key decision-makers and infrastructure experts, the findings highlight the importance of improving how major infrastructure projects are planned, promoted, and delivered.

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

On 7^th October, a report, entitled “Public Service Reform and Devolution: How Mayors and Combined Authorities can help deliver Labour's public services missions” was published by Labour Together, a think tank. The report makes five recommendations, around: unifying powers through mayors; first refusal for delivery of new programmes; devolved flexible funding; encouraging MCA-level commissioning and expertise in public service reform; and places having coterminous boundaries.

Powering up planning

A paper by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) urges planning authorities to take a stronger approach in ensuring developers contribute more to local communities. Using case studies from Islington, Salford, Preston, and Scotland, it offers practical recommendations for planning authorities to implement these strategies and calls on the new government to create conditions that allow for even greater progress.

Labour mayors call for merger with crime commissioners

A panel of Labour mayors has proposed merging police and crime commissioners (PCCs) with mayors to enhance police force efficiency and accountability. Andy Burnham, the Metropolitan Mayor of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, argued that a single PCC struggles with oversight, suggesting a combined system would offer broader advice and support. This proposal aligns with Labour’s devolution agenda, aiming to expand local governance across England. Sadiq Khan has criticised the original PCC model as a way to shift responsibility from the Home Office.

Government pledges £22bn for carbon capture projects

The UK Government has pledged nearly £22bn for carbon capture and storage projects in Merseyside and Teesside, aiming to decarbonise energy-intensive industries, create 4,000 jobs, and attract £8bn in private investment. The projects are expected to store 8.5 million tonnes of carbon annually by 2028, supporting the country's climate goals. While praised as essential for decarbonising industries, some environmental groups argue that the investment could prolong reliance on fossil fuels instead of prioritising renewables like wind or home insulation efforts.

Accelerating net zero delivery: What can UK cities learn from around the world?

A report by Centre for Cities, a think tank, on the UK's net zero target by 2050 highlights that coordinated policy efforts are needed at international, national, and local levels. The report notes that urban areas, where emissions per capita are 41% lower than the rest of the country, have seen faster reductions over the past two decades. This is due to city density, which supports lower-carbon lifestyles through more sustainable transport options and smaller, energy-efficient homes. Some regions and cities have set earlier net zero targets, demonstrating varied abilities to reduce emissions.

Energy UK conference 2024: keynote speech by Ed Miliband

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, spoke at the Energy UK annual conference. Emphasising the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy for Britain’s security, affordability and sustainability, the Secretary of State highlighted the push towards clean energy aims to create jobs, drive growth and reduce energy dependence.

New research paper explores the role of cultural strategies in local decision making

Local authorities are increasingly adopting participatory approaches in developing cultural strategies, but integrating these methods into higher management structures is still evolving. While cultural strategies are key tools for local decision-making, maintaining relationships post-strategy delivery is challenging. Research from the Centre for Cultural Value, a national research centre based at the University of Leeds, highlights a lack of formal evaluation frameworks, with a focus on outputs rather than outcomes, limiting insight into their true impact. Long-term programmes are essential for building trust and fostering effective participation, and there is potential to develop more localised, collaborative evaluation processes that capture the diverse impacts of these strategies.

School Admissions Dashboard: How does your school compare?

Research reveals that many high-performing schools admit fewer disadvantaged pupils than live in their catchment areas. The Sutton Trust have produced an interactive map to compare Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility rates by school name, type, FSM rate, FSM gap, Attainment 8, and Progress 8 performance, including grammar schools.

WMCA Economic Dashboard: Claimant count highest since September 2021

The latest Regional Future Business Activity Index showed a decrease to 76.1 for August 2024, a decrease of 1.8 points from July 2024. Meanwhile, the claimant count has continued to rise to 8.2% and represents 150,220 claimants in the WMCA area. The highest number of claimants since September 2021 and 3.9pp above the UK figure of 4.3%. Youth claimants have also continued to rise to 9.2% and represents 26,245 claimants. This is 3.7pp above the U.K figure of 5.3%. Meanwhile the number of unique job postings has decreased to 65,709 in the WMCA area, a decrease of 3,271 from the previous month of July 2024. The WMCA area ranks second highest among all Combined Authorities for the number of unique job postings, behind GMCA.

National Six Weekly Business Dashboard

Provisional estimates show that UK business investment decreased by 0.1% in Q2 (Apr to Jun) 2024 to £60.2bn.  UK business investment is 1.1% below where it was the same quarter a year ago.

Regional Monthly / Quarterly Business Dashboard

The West Midlands Business Activity Index increased from 51.2 in July 2024 to 52.2 in August 2024, the fastest growth seen for three months. The expansion in business activity was linked to demand resilience and upbeat forecasts along with greater availability of raw materials and completions of pending workloads.  In Q2 2024, there were 2,985 business deaths in the WMCA area. A decrease of 26.1% when compared to Q1 2024 (UK -14.0%).

Did you know? 24,400 hectares of land in the WMCA area is Green Belt land

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Green Belt statistics show that 37.4% of land in England is currently protected, including land designated as Green Belt. 12.6% of total land in England is designated as Green Belt. Green Belt area in the WMCA area varies greatly from 66.5% of total land in Solihull to 37.9% in Walsall and 15.0% in Coventry. Explore the data for the WMCA area in this report on LGInform+.