Blog

The Heseltine Institute blog provides a space for policymakers, practitioners and academics to share their aspirations, knowledge and policy ideas across a range of topics to influence and inform public policies for tomorrow's cities and city regions.

Blogs from our archive can be accessed here.


 

 

The English Devolution White Paper: Cautiously radical? The English Devolution White Paper: Cautiously radical?

The English Devolution White Paper: Cautiously radical?

The eagerly-awaited English Devolution White Paper (EDWP) is a curious mixture of continuity, radical reform and a degree of caution. It is simultaneously more ambitious than had been anticipated (on local government reorganisation, for example) and conservative (there is not even a hint of discussion about fiscal devolution). Five key themes emerge from the paper.

Posted on: 17 December 2024

What does it mean to be a citizen? Reflections from the Founding Assembly of Liverpool CitizensWhat does it mean to be a citizen? Reflections from the Founding Assembly of Liverpool Citizens

What does it mean to be a citizen? Reflections from the Founding Assembly of Liverpool Citizens

On 18th November 2024, the Founding Assembly of Liverpool Citizens – a new chapter of the national organisation, Citizens UK – was held at the city’s St George’s Hall.

Posted on: 22 November 2024

How can community organising support universities’ connection to place?How can community organising support universities’ connection to place?

How can community organising support universities’ connection to place?

Over recent years, there has been an enhanced acknowledgement of the role of universities as anchor institutions ‘rooted in place’ and able to support local priorities.

Posted on: 5 November 2024

Academic-policy engagement: a model for delivering place-based missions? Academic-policy engagement: a model for delivering place-based missions?

Academic-policy engagement: a model for delivering place-based missions?

On 23 September, the Heseltine Institute, City-REDI (City-Region Economic Development Institute) and the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN) hosted a roundtable fringe event at Labour Party conference in Liverpool with the aim of exploring how universities can contribute to place growth.

Posted on: 27 September 2024

What the King’s Speech means for Liverpool City RegionWhat the King’s Speech means for Liverpool City Region

What the King’s Speech means for Liverpool City Region

Yesterday’s King’s Speech set out the first pieces of legislation to be brought to Parliament under the new Labour government. The speech included 40 bills covering a wide range of policy areas, but with a particular emphasis on improving economic growth, new infrastructure and energy security. In this blog, Cleo Hachem and Tom Arnold highlight the implications for Liverpool City Region in key areas such as economic development, devolution and planning.

Posted on: 18 July 2024

Joined up? How central government can support place-based workingJoined up? How central government can support place-based working

Joined up? How central government can support place-based working

Joanna Hayes looks at how central government can support local government in a collaborative, place-based approach to addressing local priorities, drawing on lessons from the Partnerships for People and Place pilots.

Posted on: 16 July 2024

Community organising improved my life, what part can it play in national renewal?Community organising improved my life, what part can it play in national renewal?

Community organising improved my life, what part can it play in national renewal?

In this blog, Belinda reflects on the role of community organising in improving outcomes for communities and its potential role in mission led government.

Posted on: 9 July 2024

What will a Labour government mean for 'levelling up'?What will a Labour government mean for

What will a Labour government mean for 'levelling up'?

Whilst regional inequality was not a central focus of Labour’s election campaign, James Hickson argues that the Party’s ‘securonomics’ agenda could offer the basis for a new approach to addressing social and economic disparities across the country.

Posted on: 8 July 2024

Community organising: restoring faith in democracy?Community organising: restoring faith in democracy?

Community organising: restoring faith in democracy?

With the UK General Election fast approaching, we ask if community organising could help to re-establish trust in our political system?

Posted on: 18 June 2024

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