Autumn Intelligence: October Insights

Birmingham Leads WMCA in GVA Growth, Despite Sharp Localised Declines

According to the latest ONS data and analysis by the EIU, Birmingham’s city centre recorded the highest GVA in the WMCA area at £5.7bn, with notable growth across most local authorities in 2023. Of 1,680 small areas across the WMCA, 1,340 saw annual GVA increases. Birmingham also had the largest rise in GVA by value over one, three, and five years, but some areas experienced steep declines—particularly in Solihull, Sandwell, and parts of Birmingham itself—highlighting uneven economic performance across the region. Data on changes over this period should be treated with caution, however, as they are likely to have been impacted by the pandemic.

West Midlands Trade Deficit Widens to £8.3bn Amid Export Decline

Iin the year ending Q2 2025, the West Midlands exported £34.2bn and imported £42.4bn, resulting in an £8.3bn trade deficit—up from £7.0bn the previous year—according to latest ONS data and analysis by the EIU. Exports fell by 3.5%, driven by a £991m drop in machinery and transport goods. Imports remained flat, rising just 0.1%. The EU remained the region’s top trading partner, though both exports and imports with the bloc declined.

New Tool Highlights Retail Trends in City Centres

The Centre for Cities' High Streets Catchment Data Tool analyses retail patterns in Birmingham and Coventry—two key cities within the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area. Using millions of card transactions, it maps catchment areas, vacancy rates, and spending leakage. The tool offers valuable insights for local leaders aiming to strengthen high street performance and guide regeneration efforts. For example, Coventry had lower than average spend in its city centre by residents, with Birmingham being the most popular alternative shopping destination.

UK Launches Defence Industrial Strategy to Drive Economic Growth and National Security

The UK’s 2025 Defence Industrial Strategy outlines a bold plan to make defence an engine for national growth. Backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, it aims to reform procurement, boost innovation, support UK-based businesses, and strengthen industrial resilience. The strategy also introduces new partnerships, skills investment, and export reforms to ensure defence spending delivers both security and economic dividends across the UK. In the West Midlands, defence industrial centres include Telford and Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry.

Government Signals Major Overhaul of Business Rates System

The UK Government’s interim report outlines plans to reform business rates to boost investment and support high streets. Key proposals include shifting from a ‘slab’ to a ‘slice’ tax structure, enhancing Small Business Rates Relief, and reviewing Improvement Relief. Stakeholder feedback highlighted barriers to growth, uncertainty from revaluations, and administrative inefficiencies. Final decisions will follow further engagement and be announced in Autumn Budget 2025, with reforms phased to ensure stability and fairness.

Government’s Productivity Plans Risk Falling Short Without Major Reform

The UK government aims to boost public sector productivity by 2.9% by 2028–29, largely through NHS efficiencies and £2 billion cuts to central administration. These plans are ambitious compared to historical trends and rely heavily on uncertain gains from AI and service digitisation. If only half the improvements are achieved, up to £18 billion in extra funding may be needed. Without reform, public service performance and fiscal sustainability could be at risk.

Report Suggests UK’s Devolution Model May Be Undermining Inclusive Growth

The Productivity Institute’s Clarifying the Devolution Dividend finds that the UK's highly centralised governance, weak subnational autonomy, and fragmented metropolitan institutions may contribute to persistent regional disparities. It argues that stronger, better aligned local and regional powers—matched to real economic geographies and backed by fiscal resources—could support more inclusive productivity growth. However, further research using richer data and case studies is needed to test these conclusions comprehensively.

Supporting UK Economic Resilience and Growth

This report by the Green Finance Institute warns that ongoing climate and nature degradation could reduce UK GDP by 4.7% within this decade, potentially outweighing gains from infrastructure investment. It highlights how nature-related risks—such as flooding, pollution, and resource scarcity—are already disrupting key sectors and increasing costs, giving the example of snow during 2018 which shut down Cadbury and JLR production in our area. The report calls for integrating nature into economic strategy to protect long-term growth and resilience.

AI Adoption Drives Productivity Gains, But Sector Challenges Remain

A major review by The Productivity Institute finds AI adoption generally boosts productivity in fintech, retail, and advanced manufacturing, especially through automation, predictive analytics, and customer personalisation. However, sector-specific barriers—such as trust issues in retail, skill shortages in manufacturing, and regulatory uncertainty in fintech—limit wider benefits. The report calls for responsible, inclusive AI deployment and highlights the need for upskilling and policy support to ensure productivity gains are broadly shared.

NHS Urged to Accelerate Automation for Major Productivity Gains

Automation in the NHS—spanning AI, robotic process automation, and digital tools—can boost productivity, improve patient safety, and reduce costs. Despite proven benefits, adoption is slow due to complex funding, business case processes, and limited change management. A new Re:State report calls for streamlined capital investment, simplified approvals, and dedicated change teams to unlock automation’s full potential and deliver on the NHS 10 Year Plan. It makes the case that accelerating automation is essential for a modern, efficient healthcare system.

Demos Briefing Urges Balanced Approach to AI Openness in UK AI Bill

The Demos paper argues the UK must preserve the “open dividend” of open-source AI while regulating safely. It warns that overregulation could stifle innovation, but unrestrained openness risks misuse. The briefing proposes a risk-based UK AI Bill with exemptions for low-risk open models, distributed liability, transparency mandates for proprietary systems, and public incident reporting to foster both safety and an open AI ecosystem.

Building a Pro-Worker AI Innovation Strategy

A new report from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) explores the uncertain impact of AI on workers, highlighting both risks—like job displacement and inequality—and opportunities for better jobs and safer workplaces. It argues that worker empowerment must be central to the UK’s AI strategy, ensuring technology serves the public good. The TUC calls for a pro-worker innovation approach, using proven tools from past industrial transitions to shape AI for shared prosperity and resilient public services.

The NICE (Networks, Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship) Index of Localities and Regions

A new report by Cardiff University and Nottingham Trent University introduces the NICE Index, a new tool for assessing regional economic potential across England and Wales. It focuses on networks, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, offering a fresh perspective on how places can foster dynamic and inclusive growth through economic possibilities rather than limited opportunities. The West Midlands region comes out middle of the pack with benefit from the presence of dynamic urban centres such as Birmingham, but also internal disparities that moderate overall performance.

How Can Urban Wealth Funds and Regional Wealth Funds Help UK Regions to Rejuvenate?

This National Institute of Economic and Social Research report explores the potential for establishing urban or regional wealth funds in UK cities to attract investment into economically weaker areas. It argues that the current fiscal system does not effectively support local capital flows and that wealth funds could play a key role in reversing regional decline. By reforming how financial and fiscal systems interact, these funds could help build long-term investor confidence and support local economic renewal.

WMCA Household Income Rises to £56.3bn but Remains Lowest per Head Nationally

In 2023, the EIU reports that gross disposable household income in the West Midlands Combined Authority area rose 9.1% to £56.3bn, trailing the UK’s 9.5% growth. GDHI per head reached £18,900—£5,936 below the UK average—making the WMCA the lowest among combined authorities. Solihull exceeded the national average, while Birmingham, Sandwell, and Wolverhampton saw above-average five-year growth. Despite improvements, regional disparities persist, with several WMCA areas among the UK’s lowest for income per person.

UK Minimum Income Standard 2025: Most Households Still Falling Short

The 2025 Minimum Income Standard report finds that many UK households, including those in work, lack the income needed for a socially acceptable standard of living. A single person now needs to earn £30,500 a year, and a couple with two children £74,000, to meet basic needs (no regional breakdown provided). Despite rises in the National Living Wage and benefits, incomes still fall short, with little progress in closing the gap over the past year.

Universal Basic Income: Simplicity vs. Cost in UK Welfare Debate

In 2024-25 the UK government will spend over 10% of GDP on social security payments. The largest portion of this payment goes to pensioners, with just under half to working-age individuals and children. Some have suggested the current working age benefit system is no longer fit for purpose, and have advocated for Universal Basic Income. Universal Basic Income (UBI) offers a simple, unconditional alternative to the UK’s complex welfare system, potentially improving work incentives and reducing administrative costs. However, implementing even a modest UBI would cost over £200 billion annually, requiring significant tax hikes. Critics, including the IFS, argue it could reduce support for those with greater needs, like disabled individuals. While appealing in theory, UBI challenges long-standing UK policy trends favouring targeted, means-tested benefits over universal approaches.

Financial Fragility Persists for UK’s Low-to-Middle Income Families

Despite falling consumer debt and improved saving habits, many UK households remain financially vulnerable. A paper by the Resolution Foundation as part of the Unsung Britain project, finds that over 40% of poorer families have less than £1,000 in savings, and arrears on essentials like energy and council tax have surged (no regional breakdown provided). Energy debt alone has tripled since 2012, with average arrears now around £1,500. The Resolution Foundation urges reforms to boost savings, expand fair credit access, and tackle rising priority debts to strengthen financial resilience.

UK Faces Widening School Absence Crisis, CSJ Warns

The Centre for Social Justice’s report Absent Ambition finds that school absenteeism—especially severe and persistent absence—has surged since before COVID and remains elevated. They chart growing distrust between parents and schools, weakening educational ambition, and rising mental health issues as root causes. The West Midlands region is toward the bottom end of performance with a persistent absence rate of 18.6%, with the highest rate in the North East (19.6%) and lowest in London (16.6%). The report urges a “home‑school contract,” more parental support, earlier intervention in early years, enriched curricula and work experience, and tougher enforcement through awareness courses and fines.

Youth Voice Census 2025 Reveals Rising Indifference and Persistent Barriers

The 2025 Youth Voice Census, sponsored by the WMCA, had over 8,200 respondents across 345 local authorities in the UK, and highlights growing indifference among young people, with many feeling disengaged and only 26% of NEETs understanding employer expectations (no regional breakdown provided). Wellbeing remains fragile, despite improved access to mental health support. Fewer students have part-time jobs, and opportunities like work experience are declining. Confidence in key skills is up, but young women, disadvantaged students, and those with additional needs report lower confidence and support.

Government Urged to Reform Benefits System to Boost Youth Guarantee Success

Over 837,000 young people in England are not in education, employment, or training (WMCA Area: 79,239 [2024]). The Youth Guarantee, launched in 2024, aims to support 18–21-year-olds into work or learning. However, the current benefits system is fragmented, stigmatised, and often inaccessible, leaving many NEET youth unsupported. A Learning and Work Institute report recommends integrating tailored support, simplifying processes, and improving outreach to ensure the benefits system complements the Youth Guarantee and effectively aids young people’s transition into sustainable employment.

“By-and-For” Organisations Key to Tackling Inequality

A recent New Economics Foundation (NEF) report highlights the vital role of “by-and-for” organisations—those led by and serving specific communities—in addressing inequality and injustice. Based on interviews with 98 individuals across 86 organisations, the study finds these groups offer unique, community-rooted support but face major funding challenges. The report urges funders and policymakers to better understand and support these organisations, especially as their importance grows in response to crises like Covid-19 and racial injustice.

Ambitious Social Contract Needed to Eradicate Deep Poverty

The Poverty Strategy Commission’s three‑year report calls for a new “social contract” in which individuals, employers, government and civil society share responsibility for eliminating deep poverty. Modelling suggests the plan could lift 4.2 million people out of poverty and eradicate deep poverty for 2.2 million. Its proposals span income support reform, lower costs for essentials, boosting resilience, and clearer roles for all stakeholders.

Report Finds Social Investment Key to Breaking Cycle of Disadvantage in England’s Neighbourhoods

A new report by The Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) shows that targeted investment in social infrastructure during the 2000s improved health, education, and employment in England’s most disadvantaged areas, narrowing gaps with better-off places. However, progress stalled or reversed in the 2010s, leaving many neighbourhoods “trapped at the bottom.” The resident-led Big Local programme proved cost-effective, boosting employment and reducing crime. The report urges long-term, community-led investment to drive lasting neighbourhood renewal.

UK Pension Reforms Drive Strategic Local Investment for Inclusive Growth

The 2025 UK pension reforms require Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds to develop and report on local investment strategies, aiming to close the investment gap and promote inclusive economic growth. The Good Economy’s White Paper provides a strategic framework and practical guidance for LGPS, emphasising collaboration, tailored approaches, and robust impact reporting. By mobilising nearly £400 billion in assets, LGPS can play a pivotal role in building resilient communities and supporting national growth priorities.

British Industry is Lagging Behind Global Robotics and AI Leaders

This article by The Manufacturer highlights how UK manufacturing is falling behind in automation due to poor digital skills and fragmented support. The Making it Smarter report by Make UK and Sage urges the Government to accelerate targeted digital skills funding and learn from global leaders like South Korea, Singapore, Germany, and Switzerland, where SME-focused strategies and long-term incentives have driven innovation, productivity, and growth.

Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) Secures £13M to Boost Lending for Underserved West Midlands SMEs

West Midlands-based Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) has been appointed by the British Business Bank as the third accredited delivery partner under its Community ENABLE Funding programme. CWRT will be allocated up to £13m under the programme to provide loans of more than £25,000, supporting underserved smaller businesses across the West Midlands

Walsall Bakery Secures £70K Grant to Boost Production and Enter Supermarket Supply Chain

Walsall-based Polish bakery Mazowsze has upgraded its production equipment and introduces digital batch traceability so it can supply major supermarkets after securing a £70,000 UKSPF ‘SME Competitiveness grant’ through Business Growth West Midlands.

BBC to Double West Midlands Production Spend in Major Regional Expansion

The BBC has announced what it calls its biggest expansion in the West Midlands for more than a decade. Production investment in the region is set to double from £24m to £40m a year by the end of 2027 as part of its “Across the UK” strategy.

Labour Market Outlook Q3 2025

This Resolution Foundation report confirms that the UK labour market is loosening, with unemployment rising to around 4.7% and pay growth slowing, despite some inconsistencies in official Labour Force Survey data (no regional breakdown provided). It also finds that economic inactivity has likely increased over the past two years, contrary to official figures, and explores sectoral trends behind falling employment and vacancies.

Public Sector Pay Lagging Behind Amid Tight Government Finances

Public sector pay in the UK has stagnated over the past 15 years, with real earnings falling for many high-skilled roles like doctors and teachers. While private sector pay rose by 4% since 2007, public sector pay fell by 1%. The IFS suggests budget constraints and high national debt limit the government’s ability to offer increases, despite strike action and recruitment challenges. Improving public sector productivity is seen as key, but progress has been elusive since 1997.

Flexible Work Policy Boosts Women's Reduced Hours, But Gender Gap Persists

The 2014 UK reform granting all employees the right to request flexible work led to a rise in women working reduced hours, improving their life satisfaction and reducing psychological distress. However, men’s uptake of flexible arrangements remained unchanged, and no significant impact was found for flexitime or teleworking. While intended as gender-neutral, the policy may unintentionally deepen gender inequalities by reinforcing women’s shift to part-time roles to meet caregiving demands.

Camden Pilot Shows Promise for Voluntary Employment Support Engagement

A 12-week pilot by Camden Council and the New Economics Foundation tested ways to engage residents out of work due to poor health or disability with voluntary employment support. Using a user-centred “test and learn” approach, the project offered personalised calls and rapidly iterated based on feedback. The pilot showed potential for improving engagement and outcomes, with lessons that could inform wider policy and practice across the UK.

Public Sector Entry Now Dominated by Highly Educated Graduates

A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) finds that between 2008 and 2019, the UK public sector became a less common first employer for those with lower educational qualifications, with entry rates halving for those with only GCSEs. In contrast, it remained a frequent destination for highly educated graduates, especially those from top universities or with first-class degrees. These trends reflect rising educational requirements and shifts in public funding, particularly affecting local government roles.

Britain’s Elite Still Dominated by Privately Educated and Oxbridge Graduates, Sutton Trust Finds

The Sutton Trust’s Elitist Britain 2025 report reveals that 36% of the UK’s most influential figures were privately educated—over five times the national average—and 21% attended Oxford or Cambridge. Despite some progress in politics and local government, little has changed since 2019 in business, media, and public service, where elite education pipelines persist. The report calls for urgent action on social mobility, including banning unpaid internships, expanding contextual university admissions, and making class central to diversity efforts.

Educational Outcomes Across England

This report by the Institute for Government, supported by the Nuffield Foundation, reveals that while educational attainment and equality improved during the 2010s, progress stalled after the pandemic. Since 2019, disparities in outcomes have widened across regions and demographic groups, with the West Midlands having lower than average Key Stage 4 outcomes. The report aims to help the government identify where and to what extent these inequalities have grown, as part of its mission to break the link between background and future success.

GCSE Results 2025: The Main Trends in Grades and Entries

New analysis by FFT Education Data lab reports a slight rise in top GCSE grades among 16-year-olds in England, with 23.0% of entries graded 7 or above in 2024, up from 22.6% in 2023 (no further regional breakdown provided). Grades remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Similar trends are seen in Wales and Northern Ireland. The increase is mainly driven by male pupils, narrowing the gender gap at top grades, which has been steadily closing since 2021.

Experts Warn GenAI May Undermine Learning in Schools

A new report by the Social Market Foundation urges caution over the use of Generative AI in education, warning that tools like ChatGPT may hinder deep learning by promoting cognitive offloading. While AI can boost performance and efficiency, it risks weakening memory formation, critical thinking, and long-term knowledge retention. The paper calls for a government review of AI guidance in schools to prevent a decline in educational standards.

Why Stackable Skills are The Key to SME Success

An article by Startups Magazine highlights a recent improvement in UK skills shortages, with vacancy rates dropping from 36% in 2022 to 27% in 2024. While this progress shows that businesses are prioritising workforce development, SMEs still face major challenges, with 90% expecting skills gaps this year. The article calls for a shift in mindset among SME leaders to better address workforce needs and drive long-term change. It provides a clear call to action: treat skills development as a strategic priority, and adopt new frameworks that focus on building internal capability to stay competitive.

Lifelong Learning in The Reskilling Era: From Luxury to Necessity

This CIPD report highlights how the UK labour market is being reshaped by technology, the net-zero transition, and demographic change. These trends are shifting skill demands and job patterns, with high-skill roles expected to grow by 7.4% by 2035. However, gaps in lifelong learning and fragmented policies across the UK remain key challenges. The report calls for a coordinated, inclusive skills strategy to help individuals adapt and thrive.

IPPR Calls for Radical Overhaul of UK Care System

The IPPR is arguing that the UK’s fragmented care system must be transformed into a reliable, affordable public service. Rather than incremental reforms, it calls for scaling high-quality provision and embedding care into the labour market. The report urges progressives to embrace care as a political opportunity, not just a necessity, and to support a new settlement that values both paid and unpaid care, aiming to improve economic security and rebuild public trust.

Report Warns of “Overdiagnosis” Driving Youth Mental Health Crisis

A new Policy Exchange report highlights soaring diagnoses of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders among children, with NHS referrals and special educational needs and disability (SEND) cases rising sharply. It warns of “overdiagnosis” and systems incentivising diagnosis-seeking, straining education, welfare, and healthcare budgets while undermining outcomes. The report urges a paradigm shift: reforms to SEND, disability benefits, and mental health services, alongside curbs on smartphone use and greater focus on family life, exercise, and resilience, to restore sustainability and better target support.

Heritage Engagement Boosts Wellbeing for Older People

With the global population ageing, older adults increasingly face challenges such as dementia, mental health issues, loneliness, and physical inactivity. A report by Historic England highlights how heritage organisations in the UK are addressing these issues through innovative projects, particularly supporting those with dementia and their carers. Heritage activities foster social connection, mental stimulation, and physical activity, helping older people age better and improving their overall wellbeing. More sector-wide initiatives could further support mental health and reduce isolation among older adults.

UK Government Unveils Smart Glasses and AI Apps to Revolutionise Mental Health Support

The UK government has announced a new wave of digital innovations—including smart glasses and AI-powered filter apps—aimed at transforming mental health care for millions. These technologies are designed to support early intervention, improve access to treatment, and reduce pressure on NHS services. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate cutting-edge tools into mental health support systems, enhancing outcomes and accessibility for patients nationwide.

Housing First Model Could Halve Rough Sleeping and Save Millions, Says Social Market Foundation

A new Social Market Foundation (SMF) report argues that rough sleeping in England, which has more than doubled in five years, can be radically reduced using the Housing First model. This approach gives people a home without conditions and optional support, proving more effective and cost-efficient than current interventions. Pilots in England and Scotland saw over 90% of tenancies sustained and significant savings, with potential net fiscal benefits of nearly £200 million over five years.

Building Beautiful Council Houses

This Policy Exchange report calls for building 100,000 high-quality council homes annually in England and Wales, arguing that the Government’s current Affordable Homes Programme—delivering around 18,000 social rent units per year—is insufficient. It highlights the long-term decline in council housebuilding and proposes a 35-point blueprint to ensure new homes are both beautiful and community-enhancing, aligning with the Building Beautiful agenda.

Housing Affordability and Productivity

This report by Homes England explores how housing development can drive long-term productivity growth by improving labour mobility and supporting economic clusters. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative studies, it shows that building homes in high-productivity areas can enhance GDP and social value. The research, developed in collaboration with the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government and the Treasury, is part of Homes England’s broader effort to better measure the economic and social impact of housing and regeneration projects.

Heat Pumps Have the Potential to Halve UK Heating Bills

This briefing by E3G, an international climate change think tank, highlights that UK gas heating bills remain over a third higher than pre-crisis levels, and switching to electric heating, particularly heat pumps, could save households over £400 annually. However, these savings depend on government action. E3G proposes four key policy reforms to lower electric heating costs and ensure low-carbon options are affordable—especially for vulnerable households, who are disproportionately affected by fuel poverty. Reforms include removing levies on electricity used for heating, reducing prices through electricity system reform, driving up performance standards, and ensuring access to cheaper off-peak electricity.

Private rental affordability, England, Wales and Northern Ireland

This ONS bulletin shows that in 2024, private renters in England spent an average of 36.3% of their household income on rent—well above the 30% affordability threshold—compared to 25.3% in Northern Ireland, and 29.2% in the West Midlands region. While incomes have generally risen faster than rents since 2016, recent trends show rents outpacing income growth in Wales and Northern Ireland. London remains the least affordable region, with a rental affordability ratio of 41.6%, though most local authorities in England and Wales still fall below the affordability threshold.

UK Nations Urged to Standardise Active Travel Data for Health and Climate Goals

A PolicyWISE report finds all four UK nations are committed to promoting active travel—walking, cycling, and wheeling—for health, climate, and equity. However, inconsistent definitions, data gaps, and limited local capacity hinder progress and comparison. The report calls for harmonised indicators, better local data infrastructure, inclusive monitoring, and more objective, long-term data to guide effective, equitable policy and investment across the UK.

Government Unveils Draft Plan for England’s Roads Investment 2026–2031

The Department for Transport’s draft Road Investment Strategy 3 commits £24.98 billion to modernising England’s strategic road network, prioritising maintenance, safety, carbon reduction, and reliability (no regional breakdown provided). It abolishes new smart motorways, enhances existing ones, and embeds technology and resilience to adapt to climate pressures. The plan will be refined through stakeholder feedback, a business plan by National Highways, and scrutiny by the regulator ahead of its final publication in March 2026.

Fairer is faster: the route to greener and healthier domestic transport

Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has issued research considering the impact of three different pathways on the pace of emissions reductions, transport inequality and traffic in the UK concluding that there is only one – prioritising social justice. It argues that a fairer transport system will not happen by accident, but has to be explicitly set out in government policy and prioritised at every level of transport decision making.

No journey left behind: making public transport accessible for people with a learning disability

A new Mencap report has been released presenting primary research with over 1,000 people with a learning disability on their experience of public transport. People with a learning disability rely on public transport, as the majority do not drive, but 39% of respondents said there was a time they did not go out in the last month because they were worried about using public transport and almost two thirds (62%) said public transport makes them feel stressed. The report identified six key barriers and nine recommendations.

Everyday concerns: what people want from transport

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), has released a report identifying concerns and ambitions of the public, Providing insights into the different ways people travel, their satisfaction with transport and the impact of transport on their day to day lives. It highlights a number of public priorities for transport identifying reducing the cost of transport as the highest priority.

Challenges and Key Findings: Reorganising District Councils and Public Services

A report by the Institute for Government identifies significant challenges facing England’s largest local government reorganisation in decades. Councils are under financial and staffing pressure, limiting their capacity to manage both day-to-day services and the transition to unitary authorities. Key risks include service disruption, loss of institutional knowledge, and strained strategic planning. Drawing on case studies in Cumbria, North Yorkshire, and Northamptonshire, the report finds that successful reform depends on clear leadership, early planning, and learning from past reorganisations to minimise disruption and maximise long-term benefits.

Research Project Probes Digital Integration Challenges in Local Government Reorganisation

A new Localis–TechnologyOne initiative, Connected Devolution, explores how England’s planned shift to large unitary authorities could succeed through effective digital integration. The project warns of risks from failed tech mergers but highlights opportunities to cut costs and improve services if systems are streamlined. Drawing lessons from Australia’s Metropolitan Memorial Parks transformation and international best practice, the study will set out principles for embedding technology at the heart of devolution reforms.

Think Tank Calls to Abolish Homes England and Devolve Powers to Mayors

The Re:State report “New House Rules” argues that Homes England should be dismantled and most of its housing and regeneration responsibilities transferred to Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs). It proposes a phased “devolve by default” approach, retaining only truly national functions centrally. The plan recommends creating a new National Housing Bank, shifting control of land assets and technical support to MSAs, and strengthening local capacity and accountability mechanisms.

Trust in UK Institutions Varies Sharply by Political Affiliation, Finds Onward

A new Onward report reveals that Labour voters express the highest trust in UK institutions, followed by Conservatives, while Reform voters are consistently the least trusting. The NHS and military command broad trust across all groups, but the Criminal Justice System and BBC see much lower confidence, especially among Reform voters. Those not intending to vote show the lowest trust levels overall, highlighting a link between institutional distrust and civic disengagement.

London to Pilot Strategic Licensing Reform Under GLA Authority

The UK Government will pilot devolved licensing powers to the Greater London Authority, aiming to streamline regulations and boost London’s £40bn night-time economy. The current fragmented system is seen as costly and inconsistent, hindering growth. Inspired by global models like New York City, the reform seeks to enhance transparency, reduce red tape, and support SMEs. A city-wide approach could unlock £2bn in annual GVA.

Identifying The Research and Technology Needed to Meet the UK’s Net Zero Target

This report by the Government Office for Science outlines the UK's projected technology mix needed to reach net zero by 2050, focusing on five major emitting sectors: industry, transport, heat and buildings, agriculture and waste, and power. It identifies key R&D priorities and highlights areas where investment can accelerate progress. The report also explores emerging technologies and cross-cutting areas like carbon capture, hydrogen, and biomass, offering policymakers and researchers a clear roadmap to support the UK’s Clean Energy Superpower Mission.

Climate Change and Workplace Heat Stress

This WHO and WMO report warns that occupational heat stress is becoming a global issue due to climate change, affecting workers' health and productivity even beyond equatorial regions. It provides updated evidence and practical strategies for creating safer work environments and calls for coordinated action across governments, employers, and civil society to prevent and manage heat-related risks.

WMCA Economic Dashboard

The latest dashboard prepared by the EIU shows that youth unemployment is continuing its steady rise. Almost one in ten 18–24-year-olds is now claiming jobseeker’s allowance. At the same time unique job postings continues its decline, offering little hope that new employment opportunities will be immediately forthcoming. Find these figures and more in the annex.

Fertility Rate Continues to Fall Across the WMCA Area

Latest data now available on the WISE Data Profiler shows the fertility rate continuing to fall across the WMCA area between 2010-15 and 2018-2022, in some areas by close to 18%. Rates have declined most steeply in Birmingham (-18%), Coventry (-17%), and Sandwell (-17%). The area with the highest fertility rate in 2018-2022 (most recent data) was Walsall at 64.8 live births per 1,000 females aged 15-44, with the lowest in Coventry at 54.6.

Obesity Rate Rising Across the WMCA Area

Data available on the WISE Data Profiler shows the percentage of adults (18+) classified as overweight or obese rising across the WMCA area between 2015/16 and 2023/24; with Walsall having the highest level of obesity at 75% 2023/24 and Solihull having the lowest level of obesity at 64% in 2023/24. The average increase across the WMCA area between 2015/16 to 2023/24 was an additional 3.9% of the population.