Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
The development of equality and human rights is vital for the way work and employment are structured and organised. Despite the development of the Employment Rights Bill, the UK has not seen a systematic development of equality strategies, with workers’ experiences differing between private and public sectors and a lack of clear and formal legal […]
By Cecilia Wong, Mark Baker and Sui Zhang Filed Under: All posts, Growth and Inclusion, Urban Posted:
After the last of three waves of new towns were designated, the British new towns project essentially halted in the late 1960s – until now. Government have placed the serious development of new towns firmly back on the agenda with the establishment of a New Towns Taskforce (NTT). In this article, Professor Mark Baker, Sui […]
By Cathy Atkinson, Sarah MacQuarrie and Amy Phillips Filed Under: All posts, Growth and Inclusion, Health and Social Care, Urban Posted:
Policy dialogue around children, young people and education often focuses on either wellbeing or attainment. But play is a fundamental part of childhood and adolescence, recognised as fuelling learning, development and wellbeing. The establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play could mark a turning point by placing play higher on the political agenda […]
By Chae-Young Kim and Carlo Raffo Filed Under: All posts, Growth and Inclusion, Urban Posted:
Addressing the impacts of socioeconomic inequality on children and young people has been a key priority for successive UK governments across recent decades, particularly in response to wider concerns about development, wellbeing, and prospects for upward social mobility. The current government’s mission, ‘Break Down Barriers to Opportunity’, reaffirms this commitment and outlines key focus areas […]
By Marianne Sensier, Kate Penney and Michael Francis Filed Under: Devo, Growth and Inclusion, Inclusive Growth, Levelling up, UK economy, Urban Posted:
The UK’s urban centres are key to driving up economic and productivity growth. However, many post-industrial towns and cities are underperforming. In this article, Dr Marianne Sensier, Dr Kate Penney and Michael Francis from The Productivity Institute, describe their findings from a place-based study of Rochdale and explain what the government and metro mayors can […]
By Jeremy Carter Filed Under: All posts, Energy and Environment, Environment, Urban Posted:
Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity, whilst climate change projections point towards further, largely negative, impacts on humans and nature. In response, climate change adaptation has become a stronger component of policy agendas globally. As part of this response, climate risk assessments are routinely undertaken across a wide variety of sectors and […]
By Karen Lucas Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Environment, Inclusive Growth, Urban Posted:
As the UK transitions to net zero and shifts to low carbon transport, policymakers are faced with the challenge of ensuring that a push for greener transport makes travel fairer and more accessible for those on low incomes. In this article, Professor Karen Lucas explores the detrimental impact of poor public transport connectivity and makes […]
By Ian Mell Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Energy and Environment, Environment, Urban Posted:
As the impacts of the climate and biodiversity emergencies become clearer, there is a growing need to rethink how infrastructure is developed and managed in the UK. The planned redundancy of concrete and steel as building materials makes sustainable urban development problematic. However, the EU, via their Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) research programme, and the UK […]
By Claire Hoolohan, Alison Browne and Ella Foggitt Filed Under: All posts, Cities and Environment, Environment, Urban Posted:
Demand for water will outstrip supply within the next 25 years in England. Changing patterns of water use – for example, as a result of increasing hygiene standards – are intersecting with long-standing infrastructural challenges of ageing water and sewerage networks. In this article, Dr Ella Foggitt, Dr Claire Hoolohan and Professor Alison Browne assess […]
By Eric Lybeck Filed Under: All posts, Education, Urban Posted:
In 2019, the world watched as flames consumed the Notre Dame Cathedral, an irreplaceable cultural treasure. Yet, against all odds, the cathedral is poised to reopen this year, a testament to extraordinary skill and determination. In stark contrast UK restoration projects can take decades – or fail to materialise in favour of demolition. In this […]
