Marching Ahead: West Midlands Insights for March 2026

Is the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy Really Place-Based?

A new academic article argues that the UK discusses place‑based policy but fails to implement it meaningfully. Industrial strategy remains centralised and technocratic, assuming regions can respond uniformly despite differing histories, labour markets and institutional capacities. By prioritising high‑tech innovation sectors, it risks sidelining the everyday economies that sustain many areas and may deepen inequalities. The paper notes that local growth plans could help set priorities in Mayoral Strategic Authority areas, but it questions the government’s true commitment to decentralisation given that these plans still need central approval. The article concludes that genuine place‑based policy requires empowering local institutions and communities to shape strategy, not just deliver centrally defined priorities.

New Research Highlights Deep-Rooted Barriers Behind UK’s Regional Inequalities

New Institute for Fiscal Studies research shows UK regional inequalities remain large and persistent, driven by unequal access to capital, low educational attainment in deprived areas and migration of skilled workers to stronger labour markets such as London. The findings suggest that left‑behind regions face interconnected disadvantages that reinforce low growth, and effective policy must tackle multiple constraints simultaneously to close widening gaps across the country. Interestingly, the analysis on investment risk premiums in the UK shows regions diverging from London and facing much increased risk premia following the financial crash of 2008; but also suggests that the two areas with greatest decentralisation of powers – that is, Greater Manchester and West Midlands CA areas – have since seen these converge back. While this is positive, it also notes the regions are yet to see any positive outcomes for people and places from the shift.

A Modest Proposal for the Restoration of Neighbourhoods

A ResPublica report argues that decades of neighbourhood regeneration in Britain have failed to deliver lasting improvements, with deprivation becoming increasingly concentrated in the same urban and coastal areas. The Government’s £5 billion Pride in Place programme aims to revive struggling neighbourhoods, but past efforts show that participation and local voice are not enough. The report contends that renewal requires giving residents a real economic stake through greater ownership of property and local assets, aligning civic pride with long‑term economic strength.

Cities Outlook 2026 Urges Productivity and Planning Reform to Lift Urban Living Standards

Centre for Cities’ Cities Outlook 2026 warns that despite economic growth, living standards in most UK cities have stagnated since the financial crisis. The report highlights a small group of cities that translated growth into higher incomes and identifies three priorities for wider prosperity: building strong knowledge‑based business sectors, improving access to jobs through skills and transport, and accelerating planning reform to ease housing and growth constraints.

National Commission Warns England’s Poorest Neighbourhoods Need Long-Term, Large-Scale Recovery Plan

A major report by the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) says England’s most disadvantaged communities have suffered decades of neglect and require a 20‑year, £2–2.5bn‑a‑year national recovery pipeline to reverse deep-rooted decline. It proposes a ‘Staircase Model’ focused on rebuilding social infrastructure, reforming local services and boosting skills before economic renewal can take hold. The Commission warns there are no short cuts and urges government, councils and civil society to act together with sustained commitment.

National Wealth Fund Targets Clean Energy and Growth with Key Investments in West Midlands

The National Wealth Fund’s five‑year plan outlines over £100bn in mobilised investment to drive clean energy and growth, with significant focus on the West Midlands. The strategy highlights its Strategic Partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, providing embedded commercial and financial expertise to accelerate major regional projects. It also features place-specific investments, including support for Solihull’s heat network development and the Greenpower Park battery manufacturing hub in Coventry, strengthening the region’s role in the UK’s clean energy and industrial transition.

UK Urged to Recognise Culture as Core Economic Infrastructure

A Creative UK paper argues that culture is a powerful but undervalued engine of UK growth, improving wellbeing, boosting productivity and driving regeneration. It calls for cultural assets to be formally included in Treasury appraisal models, supported by national mapping, consistent valuation and blended finance. By adopting the Culture and Heritage Capital framework, the UK could unlock long-term economic, social and fiscal returns from cultural investment.

New Briefing Warns Poor Health Is Holding Back Local Economic Growth

A Health Foundation briefing argues that improving health is essential for boosting productivity and reducing regional inequalities. It highlights long‑term sickness as the leading cause of economic inactivity and calls for local growth strategies to integrate public health across employment support, good work, procurement, and infrastructure planning. The report urges coordinated action so investment in housing, skills and transport can genuinely drive inclusive local growth.

Resolution Foundation Warns UK Risks Prolonged Low‑Growth Future Without Bolder Action

A new Resolution Foundation report finds UK GDP per person has barely risen since the pandemic, leaving the country further behind OECD peer countries. Despite some recent productivity improvement, weak investment, Brexit‑related trade frictions and policy uncertainty continue to stall growth. The Government’s strategy is judged sensible but too cautiously delivered. The report calls for far bolder steps in trade policy, housing supply and labour‑market participation to escape the UK’s low‑growth trap.

WEF Warns of “Age of Competition” as Geoeconomic Conflict Tops 2026 Global Risks

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Global Risks Report 2026 highlights a sharply deteriorating global outlook, with experts expecting turbulent years ahead. Geoeconomic confrontation—trade barriers, sanctions and strategic competition—has surged to the top global risk. Other major threats include state‑based armed conflict, economic instability, AI‑driven technological risks, rising misinformation, and deepening social inequality. Environmental risks dominate the long‑term horizon, underscoring a world facing accelerating, interconnected crises.

Resolution Foundation Calls for Overhaul of Universal Credit to Restore Dignity and Stability

A Resolution Foundation report finds Universal Credit’s rigid monthly assessments, five‑week wait and complex systems are causing hardship, stress and income instability for millions. It urges reforms including easier backdating, upfront childcare support, better communication, fairer treatment of self‑employed claimants, and a culture shift toward dignity and respect. The authors argue these practical fixes would markedly improve claimants’ lives at modest cost.

How Universal Credit Claimants get £10 billion in Extra Benefits

An Onward report argues that Britain’s rising welfare costs are understated because “passported benefits” linked to core benefits are rarely counted. These fragmented schemes, worth over £10 billion, can weaken work incentives and distort poverty measures. The report calls for rationalising them into Universal Credit, improving data, creating a unified framework for crisis support, and lowering the UC taper to 50 percent to better reward work.

IPPR Says Welfare State Is Key to Economic Strength, Not a Drag

A new Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report argues that the UK’s political debate wrongly treats social spending as a barrier to economic success. Drawing on international evidence, it shows countries with high social spending often achieve strong economic outcomes, undermining the idea that welfare harms growth. The report calls for reframing the welfare state as a springboard for prosperity, opportunity and reduced inequality, not merely a safety net.

NEF Warns Benefit Conditionality Is Pushing People into Poor‑Quality, Mismatched Jobs

A New Economics Foundation report finds the UK’s highly conditional benefits system is frequently pushing Universal Credit claimants into insecure, low-quality jobs that do not match their skills or interests. The study argues that the longstanding “Any job → Better job → Career” (ABC) model does not deliver better long-term outcomes and may instead trap people in a cycle of poor work and repeated reliance on benefits. Increasing conditionality, the authors warn, can weaken workers’ bargaining power, undermine career progression and even raise the benefits bill over time.

AI Poses New Risks and Opportunities for the Future of News, IPPR Warns

A 2026 IPPR report finds AI is reshaping how people access news, often relying on narrow sources, omitting trusted outlets like the BBC. As AI drives zero‑click searches and erodes publishers’ revenues, licensing deals remain limited and favour major brands. The report argues that without stronger transparency, fair licensing, and support for sustainable journalism, AI risks deepening the UK’s information crisis rather than improving it.

Record Number of Households Falling Below UK Minimum Income Standard

A new Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) analysis shows 37.5% of people in the UK lived below the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) in 2023/24, the highest level since records began in 2008/09. Over half of children (52.6%) now fall below MIS, with lone‑parent families most affected (84.2%). There is large regional variation, with the West Midlands, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber exhibiting the highest risk of people having an inadequate income. In‑work income inadequacy continues to rise, and most households below MIS include at least one working adult. Pensioners remain less exposed, with a decline in single pensioners below MIS.

IPPR Warns 'Earned Settlement' Plan Could Prove Counterproductive

An IPPR analysis of the government’s ‘earned settlement’ consultation highlights that proposals to double the standard qualifying period for settlement from five to 10 years — and to 15 years for many below‑graduate‑level workers — could create insecurity for hundreds of thousands of migrants. The plans link settlement more tightly to income, English proficiency and conduct, but IPPR argues the complex, punitive design risks undermining integration, increasing child poverty and weakening the UK’s ability to attract workers – and consequently acts contrary to promoting economic growth and higher living standards.

Deprived Areas Face Surge in Health‑Harming High‑Street Amenities, Study Warns

A national analysis finds England’s most deprived communities and deindustrialised cities (including Birmingham) are increasingly gaining fast‑food outlets, bookmakers, vape shops and pawnbrokers, while losing amenities such as supermarkets and public toilets. These shifts mirror wider geographic health inequalities, with northern regions particularly affected. The study concludes that structural political and economic forces—rather than consumer demand—are driving these trends and calls for stronger planning and policy interventions to prevent further widening of health gaps.

LGA Report Highlights Vital Role of Sport, Arts and Culture in Rebuilding Community Cohesion

A new Local Government Association report finds that sport, arts and cultural programmes can help rebuild trust and connection in communities strained by the 2024 summer disorder. It warns that white, low‑income communities often feel overlooked and calls for long‑term, relationship‑based approaches rather than top‑down interventions. The report also notes declining youth provision and emphasises that inclusive cultural and sporting spaces can bridge divides and strengthen resilience.

The State of Marriage in the United Kingdom

This report from the Centre for Social Justice highlights a steep 50‑year decline in marriage across England and Wales, with marriage rates falling over 70% and the number of annual marriages at a historic low. Young adults marry far less and much later, while median marriage ages continue to rise. The report links declining marriage to higher loneliness, less stable relationships, higher domestic abuse risks, and greater long‑term worklessness among lone‑parent households. It argues that these trends carry significant social and economic implications.

New Forecast Warns Crime and Inactivity Set to Rise in England’s Poorest Neighbourhoods by 2030

A new ICON analysis projects that, without further action, crime in Mission Critical neighbourhoods could rise by 27% to 313 incidents per 1,000 people by 2030, widening the gap with affluent areas. Economic inactivity may reach 46%, while health improvements are expected to be only modest. The report warns these trends reflect a “do‑nothing” scenario and urges accelerated investment in social infrastructure, public service reform and local economic development.

University Ecosystems Boost Entrepreneurship Among Underrepresented Graduates

A new academic article shows that universities play a pivotal role in supporting “missing” entrepreneurs—graduates from underrepresented groups including women, ethnic minorities and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds. Using UK Graduate Outcomes data, researchers find that strong university entrepreneurship ecosystems significantly increase early‑stage entrepreneurial activity among these groups, highlighting universities’ growing importance in promoting inclusive economic development.

ASI Warns New Union Access Rules Could Cost SMEs Up to £680m

An Adam Smith Institute report finds the Employment Rights Act 2025 could impose major costs on SMEs by allowing trade unions to demand workplace access even where not recognised. The analysis estimates union access obligations could cost small and medium-sized firms up to £680 million, with even exempting micro‑firms still leaving 112,000 businesses facing nearly £600 million in costs. Central London, Manchester and the Southeast are projected to be worst hit. The report recommends exempting all SMEs, reducing visit frequency, limiting access to times like lunch breaks, and requiring at least two existing union members before access is granted.

ERC Report Finds Small Firms Facing Declining Innovation and Heightened Uncertainty

A new Enterprise Research Centre report shows UK small businesses entered 2025 with strong entrepreneurial ambition and rising digital adoption, but continued economic and political uncertainty has weakened confidence and reduced growth‑related behaviours. Innovation has fallen for a fourth consecutive year, with SMEs reporting product or service innovation dropping to 24.1% in 2024, alongside declining export activity and deteriorating entrepreneurial ecosystem ratings. The report warns that without decisive action to raise confidence, strengthen support systems and boost investment, small firms risk constrained growth in 2026.

UK Introduces First Agreed Definition to Regulate Rapidly Growing ‘Dark Kitchen’ Sector

The UK has adopted its first widely agreed definition of “dark kitchens” after research by the University of Sheffield revealed these delivery‑only food outlets now make up around 15% of major app‑listed retailers. The new definition aims to close regulatory gaps, bringing previously hidden operations under planning and public health oversight. Researchers say clearer standards are vital, as most consumers remain unaware of these rapidly expanding, technology‑enabled kitchens.

West Midlands Faces Fragile Recovery Amid Rising Unemployment and Investment Gaps

Latest intel from the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) reveals UK growth remains marginal, with easing inflation but soft business investment. While West Midlands output and business confidence are relatively strong, scale-up finance gaps and manufacturing trade pressures pose risks. Unemployment has risen to 5.2%, youth joblessness to 14%, and 57% of regional children live in households below the Minimum Income Standard, underlining continued challenges for inclusive growth, skills reform and investment across the West Midlands. Read the full analysis in the annex.

Women in the West Midlands Work for 56 Days for Free Each Year Due to Persistent Gender Pay Gap

TUC analysis reveals UK women effectively work 47 days a year unpaid because the gender pay gap remains at 12.8%, costing them an average of £2,548 annually. The gap affects women across all sectors and ages, driven by unequal caring responsibilities, part‑time work, and limited access to flexible jobs. The report also identifies regional differences in the gender pay gap, with the West Midlands having a gap of 15.3%, greater than the UK average, and means that the average woman in the West Midlands works for free for 56 days. The TUC urges stronger government action, including improved childcare and shared parental leave, to close the gap.

Migration Observatory Highlights Limited Impact of Work Visa Policy on UK Skills Shortages

A new commentary from the Migration Observatory finds that restricting work visas for middle‑skill jobs affects only a small share of labour supply, as most migrants enter through other routes. Increasing domestic training does not automatically reduce migration, since employers still rely on migrant workers due to poor pay, conditions, and recruitment challenges. Significant data gaps also prevent a full understanding of how migration shapes the UK skills base.

Resolution Foundation Highlights the ‘Unsung’ Workers Powering Britain

A recent Resolution Foundation report spotlights the vital but overlooked workers whose roles keep the country running, revealing that many face low pay, insecure contracts and limited progression despite delivering essential services. It argues that improving job quality in these foundational sectors is crucial for boosting living standards and strengthening the economy, calling for better pay, clearer career pathways and targeted policy support to recognise and reward their contribution.

IEA Report Warns Flexible‑Working Mandates Could Undermine Growth

An Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) report argues that strengthened flexible‑working rights in the Employment Rights Act will impose significant costs on employers, potentially leading to lower wages, fewer jobs and reduced productivity. The authors say flexible working is beneficial when voluntarily agreed but warn that mandated ‘right to request’ rules make refusal difficult, risking a “stealth tax” on businesses and consumers. They highlight rising post‑Covid home‑working‑related health issues and caution that centralised policymaking cannot account for sectoral differences.

TBI Warns England Risks Falling Behind Without National Strategy for Safe, High‑Quality AI in Schools

A new Tony Blair Institute report finds AI use in England’s schools is fragmented and unequal, with most teachers lacking confidence and training, and many schools struggling with poor digital infrastructure. Only a minority of state‑school pupils are taught how to use AI, while independent schools pull ahead, widening a new disadvantage gap. The report calls for a national AI Teaching Assistant for every school, minimum safety standards, a DfE AI action plan, a national testbed, and investment in digital infrastructure to ensure safe, high‑quality adoption.

New National Statistics on UK Healthy Life Expectancy Released in February

Healthy Life Expectancy is a key metric that the UK Government are increasingly focused on as the gap between life expectancy and years lived in good health drives healthcare, social care, and welfare costs, as well as having clear implications for productivity.

The data shows a marked decrease in healthy years of life across the UK, with larger declines for women than men. Spatial inequalities are widening, with the gap between the highest and lowest performing areas now over 14 years for men and nearly 16 years for women.

Looking specifically at the West Midlands:

Birmingham                58.3 years (men), 58.0 years (women)

Coventry                    59.2 years (men), 58.9 years (women)

Dudley                        59.6 years (men), 58.9 years (women)

Sandwell                     52.7 years (men), 51.3 years (women)

Solihull                        63.2 years (men), 62.9 years (women)

Walsall                        56.2 years (men), 55.0 years (women)

Wolverhampton        59.2 years (men), 58.6 years (women)

Nationally the highest healthy life expectancy in the UK is over 69 years for men and 70 years for women, while the lowest areas are just above 50 years. The gap between Solihull and Sandwell is more than 10 years of healthy life.

As national policy attention increasingly turns to extending years in good health, these figures reinforce the importance of prevention, early intervention and approaches that address the wider determinants of health.

PAC Warns Government Over Soaring Clinical Negligence Costs and Inaction

A Public Accounts Committee report criticises the Government and NHS for failing to act on clinical negligence despite two decades of warnings. Liability has quadrupled to £60bn, legal fees and settlement costs are soaring, and fragmented patient‑safety data hinders reform. The Committee demands an operational plan, improved safety framework and better data‑sharing within two months, highlighting rising paediatric harm and long settlement delays.

Study Warns Vaccine Refusal Imposes Major Hidden Costs on Society

A modelling study using measles shows even small pockets of vaccine refusal significantly raise infection, deaths and economic losses. Researchers estimate that in England, a 3% anti‑vaccination group could lead to 392,805 extra cases, 480 deaths and £292m in societal costs over 20 years, mostly from productivity losses rather than healthcare spending. The study concludes that each refusal imposes measurable harm, strengthening the case for action to address hesitancy.

Health Foundation Warns Housing Reforms Will Only Succeed if Enforcement Matches Ambition

A Health Foundation blog argues that new housing reforms could significantly reduce health harms from England’s 3.7 million ‘non‑decent’ homes, but only if enforcement is properly funded and prioritised. The reforms strengthen standards on hazards like cold, damp and mould, yet councils currently lack the resources and capacity to ensure compliance. Without robust oversight, the blog warns, vulnerable households will continue to face preventable health risks.

New National Guidelines Set Out ‘What Good Looks Like’ for Youth Social Prescribing

Newly launched Best Practice Guidelines: Child & Youth Social Prescribing outline how to deliver high‑quality, sustainable and equitable social prescribing for children and young people. Developed from five national roundtables with young people, link workers, VCFSE organisations, researchers and policymakers, the guidelines aim to standardise practice across the UK. They sit alongside new free training and were unveiled at the 2026 Youth Social Prescribing Symposium, which highlighted rising youth need and fragmented current provision.

5 million over 50s think their sexual health needs are overlooked by doctors or other medical professionals

This Age UK article introduces the “Still Got It” initiative, highlighting a lack of information and support tailored to people over 50 on topics related to wellbeing, relationships and confidence in later life. Research shows many in this age group feel overlooked or misunderstood, including in healthcare settings. The guide aims to reduce stigma, empower older adults, and help them navigate modern relationship and social challenges with better information and greater confidence.

Government Confirms Boost to Affordable Homes Programme as Delivery Accelerates

The latest Affordable Homes Programme report outlines progress in increasing affordable housing supply across England, detailing outputs from the 2016–23 and 2021–26 programmes. In the West Midlands, 7,925 affordable homes had started to be built and 3,632 had been completed by March 2025 (half-way through the current programme period). In October 2024, the government announced reforms enabling affordable homes to be built more quickly, unlocking capacity for thousands of additional properties. The report highlights delivery across social rent, affordable rent, shared ownership and specialist homes, with Homes England and the GLA driving accelerated construction.

Fabian Society Calls for “Great Places to Live” Beyond Housing Numbers

A new Fabian Society pamphlet argues that Britain’s housing crisis cannot be solved by focusing solely on unit numbers. Beyond Numbers: Building Great Places to Live urges a shift toward people‑centred planning—prioritising attractive design, heritage, wellbeing, strong local government, sustainable transport, and long‑term funding. Contributors highlight that successful placemaking requires not just homes but connected neighbourhoods, community infrastructure and public realm improvements to create places where people genuinely want to live.

Lessons on Rules-Based Planning

A Centre for Cities report examines Croydon’s 2019–2022 ‘Suburban Design Guide,’ a rules-based planning approach that increased small‑site housebuilding by providing clearer development guidelines. Widely praised by the Financial Times, the GLA and Centre for Cities, the policy offers lessons for national and London-wide moves toward more rules-based planning. With government proposals aiming for a ‘default yes’ to urban development, the report asks how Croydon’s success occurred and whether similar results could be replicated across other boroughs and cities.

Is VAT Incentivising Housing Demolition?

This report reviews evidence on how the UK’s Value Added Tax (VAT) system affects decisions to demolish or refurbish buildings. With new housing taxed at 0% VAT and most refurbishments at 20%, the report finds these rules incentivise demolition despite higher carbon emissions from rebuilding. Reviewing 14 studies, it concludes that current VAT policy undermines climate goals, UK carbon accounting overlooks full life‑cycle emissions, and reducing VAT on renovation could significantly cut CO₂. Further research on developer behaviour and international evidence is needed.

New Plan to Fix 'Ageing and Fragile' Schools Exposed by RAAC Crisis

A cross-party education committee report finds that RAAC-related disruption has harmed pupils’ learning and wellbeing. While the government says all schools will be RAAC‑free or being rebuilt by 2029, MPs warn of remaining information gaps across England’s ageing school estate. Some schools still rely on temporary spaces like marquees. Alongside a new 10‑year rebuilding plan, the government has allocated £2.4 billion for 2025/26 to improve school and college buildings

Great British Railways

The Transport Select Committee has acknowledged that the new statutory role for Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) in the railway could risk being “too subject to goodwill” in the report of its inquiry into the Railways Bill. Alongside this, Urban Transport Group has worked with Great British Railways to produce a support guide to promote existing good practice and new ways of working to build effective local partnerships and elaborates on the Mayoral Partnerships Framework. The guide has been steered by the UTG-GBR Partnership Liaison Group, which comprises senior officers from Mayoral transport authorities, the English devolution lead from the Department for Transport’s rail reform function, and the mayoral partnerships team (a small transitionary function working across the railway as part of reform).

Air Pollution Emissions from Vehicles as a Function of Their Current Real-World Market Price

Academic research has investigated the relationship between vehicle emissions and retail price using data from over 50,000 measurements, collected during a remote sensing campaign in Birmingham, UK. Machine learning was employed to estimate the retail price of the vehicles. The analysis reveals a strong negative correlation between vehicle price and emissions. Although newer vehicles tend to be more expensive because of their desirability and are cleaner thanks to stricter emissions regulations, the analysis reveals more expensive vehicles typically have lower fuel-specific emission factors, even within the same Euro class. Higher-priced diesels show greater emission reductions than petrols.

Learning from DevoLab #3: How Devolution Can Improve Transport Connectivity

Improving transport connectivity is one of the central policy objectives of mayors across England. Mayoral strategic authorities hold a range of responsibilities for transport including producing local transport plans, regulating bus services and managing large, devolved transport budgets. So how can devolution improve transport connectivity? What approaches have been tried at the regional level to make progress in this policy domain? And what are the lessons that mayors and strategic authorities can learn from each other? To answer these questions, this policy briefing presents three case studies – from West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region – of how devolved powers have been used to improve connectivity.

Increasing the Use of Shared Micromobility by Disabled People

A Report on a project run by CoMoUk, Cycling UK, and the Motability Foundation reveals that offering target promotions and a chance to try the modes in safe and supported environment can lead to more disabled people enjoying the benefits of shared micromobility modes.

Grant boost to cover almost half the cost of installing EV chargers for households and businesses

The Department for Transport has confirmed that:

• renters, landlords and businesses will be able to claim up to half the cost of installing an electric charger – saving them up to £500 as grants extended for a further final year;

• increased charging grants mean installation costs for many drivers will be slashed, unlocking home charging for as little as 2p per mile; and
• updates to the grant offering simplifies the system, making it easier for people and businesses to find the right support and access savings.

New DevoLab Report Highlights How Mayors Can Transform UK Transport Connectivity

A 2026 Institute for Government briefing finds that devolved mayoral powers are driving major improvements in regional transport—from West Yorkshire’s planned mass transit system to Merseyrail’s high-performing devolved rail network and Greater Manchester’s integrated Bee Network. It concludes that strong leadership, long‑term funding, integrated planning and rail reform are key to boosting connectivity, productivity and public access to opportunity across England.

LGA Delivers First Corporate Peer Challenge for West Midlands Combined Authority

The Local Government Association (LGA) conducted its first Corporate Peer Challenge for the West Midlands Combined Authority, reviewing leadership, governance, financial planning and capacity for improvement. The peer team found WMCA ambitious, self-aware and committed to inclusive growth; and made recommendations to strengthen delivery by aligning the Mayor’s priorities into its medium‑term plan; creating a unified West Midlands narrative; deepening relationships through more structured engagement with councils and partners; and further embed social value and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Local Government Reorganisation 2026

A House of Commons Library briefing outlines the Labour government’s 2024 decision to reorganise England’s two‑tier councils into new unitary authorities. Councils were asked in 2025 to submit proposals, with Surrey already set to form two new authorities by 2026. Over 70 proposals from 21 areas are under review, with most new authorities expected to launch in 2028. Some elections were postponed, but neither councils nor residents can block the reorganisation through petitions or referendums.

IPPR Says Local Government Shake Up Could Spark Democratic Renewal

An IPPR report argues that plans to reorganise English local government need not weaken local democracy. While the abolition of district councils has raised concerns, the think tank says unitarisation -that is, creating larger units of local administration- could strengthen community voice if paired with reforms such as expanding hyperlocal councils, creating empowered neighbourhood boards with majority community representation, and enabling remote voting and participatory decision-making. The report concludes that meaningful power-sharing with communities is essential for democratic renewal.

Think Tank Urges Government to Break Devolution Deadlock with Clear 2026 Reorganisation Framework

A Centre for Cities briefing warns that England’s stalled local government reorganisation is jeopardising economic growth, as delays to the Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and conflicting council proposals create gridlock. With new ministers and growing momentum for fiscal devolution, the report calls for 2026 reforms aligned with economic geographies, recommending specific unitary structures across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hampshire and Sussex to support housing, productivity and efficient governance.

New Analysis Finds Councils Need Clearer Mandates to Embed Climate Action Across Local Services

A Regen report shows local authorities are taking varied—and often inconsistent—approaches to embedding climate goals into their organisations, despite all reviewed strategies recognising climate as a key issue. Interviews with council officers reveal progress in prioritising climate action, improving governance and upskilling staff, but also highlight significant gaps in capacity and integration. With devolution and reorganisation underway, the report urges clearer roles and responsibilities to avoid uneven progress.

New Green Book Shifts UK Investment Appraisal Toward Fairer, Place‑Based Decisions

The UK Government’s Green Book 2026 updates appraisal guidance to emphasise place‑based equity, reducing reliance on cost-benefit ratios and prioritising broader social value. It aims to give overlooked regions a “fair hearing” in funding decisions and simplifies appraisal by focusing on strategic, long‑term outcomes. The revision seeks to rebalance criteria so projects in deprived areas are not disadvantaged and ensure investment decisions reflect full societal impacts; and strengthens the role of place-based approaches (such as place-based business cases and analysis) to assess how the benefits, costs and risks of a proposal are distributed between different places in the United Kingdom.

Review Finds Trust, Governance and Co‑Production Key to Effective Place‑Based Partnerships

A new evidence review led by the University of Birmingham highlights that successful place‑based research partnerships rely on strong governance, dedicated coordination, diverse skills, and participatory, co‑produced approaches. The report finds partnerships can deliver benefits at individual, organisational and societal levels but notes gaps in evaluation and early‑stage setup. It stresses that trust, reciprocity and equitable decision‑making are essential for impactful, resilient local collaboration.

Government Updates Licensing Guidance to Strengthen Local Decision‑Making and Tackle Emerging Risks

The Home Office’s revised Section 182 Guidance (February 2026) updates rules for licensing authorities, emphasising alignment with local plans, night‑time economy strategies, and business support when determining applications. It also strengthens advice on Temporary Event Notice limits, spiking, off‑sales easements, and case‑by‑case consideration of licensable activities. The changes aim to support growth while upholding core licensing objectives: crime prevention, public safety, nuisance reduction and child protection.

Will reforms achieve ‘fair funding’ for English councils?

This article by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) examines the provisional 2026–29 Local Government Finance Settlement. Core funding for English councils is forecast to rise 15.6% in cash terms and 8.8% in real terms by 2028–29, assuming councils fully increase council tax. Funding will shift towards more deprived urban areas. The report analyses dependence on council tax, whether reforms better align funding with need, and how business‑rates growth is used to set funding floors.

Emergency Government Bailouts Needed by Third of Councils Over Next Three Years

An LGA study article warns that councils, central to delivering national priorities, face severe and growing financial strain. Despite innovation and rising funding, demand and costs now outpace resources. An LGA survey shows many councils struggling to balance budgets, with up to a third likely to seek emergency financial support by 2028/29. Reliance on borrowing to meet day‑to‑day costs is unsustainable. The LGA urges government to increase funding in the upcoming settlement and commit to long‑term reform of local government finance, including SEND funding clarity.

The Ongoing Crisis in Local Authority SEND Spending

A new Policy Exchange report warns that local authority SEND spending in England is escalating unsustainably, rising 58.5% in real terms in six years. Without reform, annual costs could reach £18.2 billion by 2028, when central government is due to assume responsibility. Spending has grown fastest in wealthier areas, while transport and admin costs have surged and specialist services have been cut. Endorsed by former Labour Education Secretaries, the report urges urgent reform to stabilise the SEND system before widespread council insolvency occurs.

LGA Publishes New Guidance to Strengthen Scrutiny of SEND Services

The Local Government Association has released a new resource to help councillors scrutinise Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services more effectively. The guide highlights rising demand, growing financial pressures and stagnating outcomes, urging scrutiny committees to hold partners to account while amplifying the voices of children, young people and families. It offers key lines of enquiry to support stronger governance and drive system-wide improvement across local SEND provision.

Ad Hoc Bolt-Ons are Undermining Government’s Aims on Local Government Funding Reform

A New Institute for Fiscal Studies article explains that although the government has improved its assumptions about how gains from business rate pools are shared, its new £116 million adjustment support grant gives some councils a temporary windfall that could, perhaps, have been better deployed. It also raises concerns about the continued use of the 2025–26 recovery grant, even though its deprivation and tax‑base criteria will soon be incorporated into the reformed funding system. Overall, the article argues these decisions are not the best use of limited resources.

Seven Local Authorities Set to Hike Council Tax by More Than 5%

The BBC reports that seven councils have been allowed to raise council tax above the usual 5 percent cap without a referendum due to severe financial pressures. Worcestershire, Shropshire and North Somerset may increase bills by around 9 percent, while Trafford, Warrington, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can raise theirs by between 6.75 and 7.5 percent. Ministers say these are small, exceptional flexibilities. Worcestershire, facing effective bankruptcy, has also requested a £71 million bailout.

RUSI Calls for Overhaul of UK Cyber Strategy Amid Escalating Threats

Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) analysis suggests the UK must urgently reboot its cyber strategy to confront increasingly aggressive state and criminal actors. The report warns that fragmented responsibilities, outdated capabilities and insufficient long-term planning are leaving the UK vulnerable. It calls for clearer national leadership, sustained investment in cyber skills and infrastructure, and stronger public-private collaboration to build resilience across government, industry and society.

Resolution Foundation Warns Farming Emissions Must Fall Seven‑Fold to Meet Net Zero Targets

A new Resolution Foundation report finds UK agricultural and land use emissions have dropped just 5% in 15 years and must fall sevenfold by 2030 to stay on track for net zero. Although the overall cost of decarbonising farming is modest and would raise food prices by less than 1% by 2050, the burden on farmers could be severe due to low productivity and fragile incomes. The report says major land use changes risk tenant farmers’ livelihoods and calls for stronger supply chain regulation and better designed land use policy to avoid harmful disruption.

NAO Warns Environmental Regulation Is Falling Behind and Hindering Green Goals

A National Audit Office report finds England’s environmental regulation system struggling with outdated IT, weak data, skills shortages and a risk‑averse culture. These constraints hinder the Environment Agency and Natural England from targeting the greatest environmental risks, leading to inconsistent enforcement and slow progress against government targets. The NAO calls for a clearer, more strategic, digitally enabled regulatory framework to improve environmental outcomes and support sustainable growth.

OEP Warns UK Risks Missing 2030 Biodiversity and Nature‑Recovery Targets Without Rapid Action

The Office for Environmental Protection’s latest progress report finds the government still “largely off track” to meet its 2030 goals for biodiversity, protected areas, and ecosystem restoration. Despite slightly improved progress, the OEP says efforts remain far too slow and lack the step‑change required. It stresses that nature underpins economic growth and national security, urging ministers to accelerate delivery under the Environmental Improvement Plan and decide now whether they intend to meet their legally binding targets.

IPPR Warns UK Must Build Resilient Clean‑Energy Supply Chains to Cut Reliance on China

A new IPPR report urges the UK to strengthen battery, solar, steel and critical‑mineral supply chains to protect jobs and meet clean‑energy goals. It highlights the UK’s heavy dependence on China for refined materials and components, warning that disruptions could jeopardise electric‑vehicle production, slow solar deployment and threaten economic security. The authors call for active industrial strategy, international partnerships and investment to reduce vulnerability and build long‑term resilience.

UK National Security at Risk from Looming Ecosystem Collapse, Government Assessment Warns

A UK government assessment concludes that accelerating global biodiversity loss and the potential collapse of critical ecosystems pose severe threats to national security. It finds all major ecosystems are degrading, with some at risk of irreversible collapse from the 2030s, threatening food and water security, supply chains and geopolitical stability. The report warns the UK is highly vulnerable due to reliance on imports and urges major intervention to build resilience.

WMCA Economic Dashboard

The latest dashboard prepared by the EIU shows the West Midlands Business Activity Index was up again slightly in January. Firms attributed the rise in activity to ongoing improvements in demand conditions and new order volumes. It also shows a continued steady decline in job-seeking benefit claimants. The total number of payrolled employees also seems relatively stable, despite the drop in advertised vacancies. Find these figures and more in the annex.

Successful Completion of Drug Treatment Declines Over Last 15 Years

Data available on the WISE Data Profiler shows a steady fall in successful completion of drug treatment for opiate users since 2011. In 2011 successful completion of drug treatment as a percentage of programme starts varied across the region from 7.8% in Solihull to 13.2% in Coventry. In the latest period for which data has been released (2023) rates have fallen back to 4.8% in Solihull and 3.3% in Coventry.