Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Joe Blakey Filed Under: All posts, Urban Posted:
Our cities are unequal – in wealth, quality of life and our carbon footprints, amongst other factors. In the race to use technology to build so-called ‘smart cities’, Joe Blakey says we run the risk of locking-in, rather than tackling, those inequalities. Definitions and data When it comes to smart cities , Manchester is setting […]
By Abigail Gilmore Filed Under: Devo, Urban Posted:
Abi Gilmore looks at why policy-making for the arts and culture is important when considering the implementation and impact of the devolution agenda in Greater Manchester. Cultural policy is often an afterthought, frequently side-lined by other policy debates on health, housing and crime reduction. When decision-making for the arts makes the news, it is usually […]
By Luke Raikes Filed Under: All posts, Devo, Urban Posted:
When the victorious Greater Manchester Mayor emerges next May, they will find themselves with significant transport powers – but strong leadership and beefed-up accountability will be needed to realise the full benefits, argues Luke Raikes. This time next year, Greater Manchester will be experiencing its first ever mayoral election campaign. This will be a significant […]
By Stephen Hincks, Iain Deas, Kevin Ward and Graham Haughton Filed Under: All posts, Devo, Urban Posted:
The emergence of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to deliver ‘Devo Manc’ builds on a long history of effective cooperation between ten local authorities. Not all English cities and regions share such a history. Has Manchester become the template for English sub-national governance, and if so, should we be worried, ask Kevin Ward and […]
By Lord Peter Smith Filed Under: All posts, Devo, Urban Posted:
Devolved control of health, and integration with social care, creates an opportunity to improve care outcomes, improve value for money and decide local priorities for Greater Manchester, argues Lord Peter Smith. We are on the brink of a new era in Greater Manchester when we take charge of health and social care services. On […]
By Mark Robinson CEO Filed Under: All posts, Devo, Urban Posted:
George Osborne confirmed his commitment to the Northern Powerhouse by prioritising it so strongly in the recent Budget. But, says Mark Robinson, the initiative is in desperate need of a figurehead or strategic leadership to take it to the next level and stop it fizzling out. Lord Adonis and the National Infrastructure Commission have […]
By Jonathan Darling Filed Under: All posts, Urban Posted:
No-one would say it was easy to agree public policy for the thorny issue of housing asylum seekers. But, argues Jonathan Darling, a recent news story shows just how urgent it is that a change of emphasis takes place. Last week, officials from the Home Office visited Middlesbrough to inspect properties used to house asylum […]
By Jamie Doucette and Seung-Ook Lee Filed Under: All posts, Urban Posted:
Jamie Doucette and Seung-Ook Lee ask if there are lessons for policymakers in the actions of North and South Korea in setting up zones where they can work together. When one hears the word globalisation, the image of North Korea rarely comes to mind. Long regarded as a hermit kingdom, a rogue state, and international […]
By Andrew Karvonen Filed Under: All posts, Featured, Urban Posted:
Last month the UK government announced that it was abandoning its 2016 commitment to require all new housing in England and Wales to be zero carbon. Here Andrew Karvonen looks at the possible impact of that decision. In ‘Fixing the Foundations: Creating a More Prosperous Nation’, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne cited the zero carbon […]
By Jessica Roccard Filed Under: Featured, Urban Posted:
Across much of the global South, urban centres are expanding as new informal suburbs are created. Those informal communities generate challenges for both their own populations and the authorities, explains Dr Jessica Roccard. Urbanisation was one of the most substantial and revolutionary social forces of the 20th Century. It continues to transform the global South. […]