The Year-End Download: Insights & Analysis

Latest Business Intel from the Economic Intelligence Unit

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ second Budget outlines tax, infrastructure and business support plans against mixed economic signals. GDP growth remains weak, inflation is easing but still elevated, and forecasts point to modest expansion in 2025. Business sentiment is fragile, with small firms facing rising costs, falling vacancies and regional pressures, despite targeted investment boosts. R&D funding increases aim to reverse declining innovation, while sectors from construction to retail show uneven recovery across the UK economy. Find this and more in the WISE annex.

Government Doubles Down on Regional Growth with New Investment Push

The Future Governance Forum highlights the UK’s renewed focus on regional economic growth following the first regional investment summit in Birmingham. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stressed the need for growth that benefits all parts of Britain, backed by planning reforms, regulatory changes, and strategic investments in defence, energy, and technology. The report argues that overcoming zero-sum thinking and leveraging new institutions is key to delivering a fairer, more resilient economy nationwide.

The Economic Impact of Brexit

The National Bureau of Economic Research (based in the USA) has published a working paper that finds Brexit cut UK GDP by 6–8%, investment by up to 18%, and employment and productivity by 3–4% by 2025. The report attributes these losses to prolonged uncertainty, reduced demand, and resource misallocation. While short-term forecasts were accurate, they underestimated the long-term impact. The findings highlight significant economic costs from the UK’s 2016 decision to leave the EU, driven by structural challenges and diverted management time.

Understanding the UK’s Rise in Economic Inactivity Since 2020 Across Local Labour Markets

A policy briefing by City-REDI at the University of Birmingham shows the UK’s economic inactivity rate rose sharply during the pandemic and remains above pre-COVID levels, making the UK an international outlier. The increase is uneven, hitting rural and coastal areas hardest, and is driven mainly by poor pre-pandemic health, rising work-limiting health issues, and an ageing population. Changes in migration and labour demand show little impact, marking a shift from past recessionary patterns. Data shows the WMCA area has only slightly raised inactivity levels when compared to the pre-pandemic period.

From Sickness to Strength: Building a Resilient Workforce

The Keep Britain Working Review highlights health-related economic inactivity as a major labour market challenge, with over one in five working-age adults out of work and £85 billion lost annually to sickness and turnover. Led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, it calls for employer-led prevention and support, backed by £1 billion yearly government investment. Key proposals include Vanguards, a Healthy Working Lifecycle standard, and a Workplace Health Provision service to keep people in work and speed up returns, driving growth and resilience.

ONS Announces Major Prioritisation Shift to Focus on Core Statistics

In a letter to the UK Statistics Authority, ONS Permanent Secretary Darren Tierney outlined plans to rationalise the organisation’s scope, prioritising key outputs such as prices, GDP, labour market data, population, and Census 2031 preparations. Around 150 analytical roles will be redirected to strengthen economic statistics and survey improvements. Commitments in health, crime, and subnational statistics will be reduced, aiming to restore confidence and deliver higher-quality, trusted data through a streamlined three-year business plan. The Mayoral Data Council – representing WMCA and other mayoral strategic authorities – has formally shared its view how this may impact on the availability of timely and relevant local statistics to support devolution, and has offered to support the ONS to explore joint strategic authority and university support with the ONS around local and regional statistical outputs.

House of Lords Report Finds Hybrid Working Offers Benefits but Raises Challenges

A Lords committee concludes remote and hybrid working is now a “new normal” for 39% of UK workers, with 26% hybrid and 13% fully remote. Benefits include improved work-life balance, recruitment, retention, and opportunities for disabled people and carers. Risks include isolation, blurred boundaries, presenteeism, and mentoring gaps. Productivity impacts remain unclear, with hybrid showing little effect and fully remote results mixed. The report urges better data, management training, digital investment, and guidance, while warning against major new legislation.

Towards Equity: Rethinking Personal Taxation in the UK

The Resolution Foundation’s It’s Personal (Taxation) report shows UK taxes are at historic highs—over 37% of GDP—yet personal income taxes remain low internationally. Even after the 2025 NI rise, the tax wedge for employees is below the OECD average. However, employer NI now accounts for a record share, creating a gap where employees pay 55% more tax than self-employed workers, costing the Treasury £9 billion annually. The report urges reforms to close this imbalance and build a fairer tax system.

Inheritance Tax Reforms Spark Debate Over Fairness and Future Policy

Demos’ report reviews the UK’s 2024 inheritance tax overhaul, which capped agricultural and business reliefs and included pension pots in taxable estates, raising £2.5bn annually by 2029. It argues that the resulting public and political backlash was primarily a consequence of poor communication of the reforms, rather than a fundamental opposition to taxing wealth. The paper urges clearer narratives linking tax to tangible benefits, transparent impact forecasts, and more collaborative policymaking. It calls for future steps like progressive rates and lifetime receipts taxes to tackle growing wealth inequality.

UK Think Tank Calls for Zonal Planning Reform to Ignite AI Infrastructure Boom

Centre for British Progress warns Britain risks falling behind global rivals in the AI race unless planning and environmental consent systems are reformed. Its report recommends creating “AI Growth Zones” with expedited approvals, streamlined environmental assessments, and a dedicated delivery authority, inspired by Canada’s Building Canada Act. Proposals include automatic permission within designated zones, new primary legislation, and judicial review safeguards to accelerate £30bn in private AI infrastructure investment and secure economic and geostrategic advantage.

Health, Wealth and Happiness - the £123bn Value of Activity

A report by Sport England estimates that community sport and physical activity generated £122.9 billion in social value in England during 2023/24. Most of this (£106.9 billion) comes from improved wellbeing, including £14.1 billion for children and young people, while £15.9 billion reflects health cost savings from preventing conditions like depression and diabetes. The report also highlights £5.8 billion in productivity gains and warns of a £19.6 billion social cost from participation inequalities, calling for targeted action to ensure access for disadvantaged groups.

Life in the UK 2025: Wellbeing Stagnates Amid Inequality

Carnegie UK’s latest index shows the UK’s collective wellbeing score remains stuck at 62/100 for the third year, reflecting persistent inequality and stagnation. The West Midlands region has one of the lowest regional scores at 60/100. Social, economic, environmental, and democratic wellbeing all show limited progress over recent years, with trust in institutions and affordability challenges continuing to undermine quality of life. The report calls for urgent policy action to improve living standards, resilience, and participation across society

Government Launches Office for the Impact Economy to Drive Social Investment

The UK Government has created the Office for the Impact Economy to act as a central hub for impact investors, philanthropists, and purpose-driven businesses. Based in the Cabinet Office, it aims to unlock billions in impact capital, strengthen partnerships, and ensure public funds deliver greater social value. The initiative follows recommendations from the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group and seeks to boost inclusive growth and national renewal through strategic collaboration. Given the WMCA’s long-standing commitment to double the size of the social impact economy (from 2019), this is a welcome development for the region.

Pandemic and Cost of Living Crisis Alter Young People’s Life Paths

The Sutton Trust’s Altered Courses report finds that COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis have disrupted education and career plans for UK youth (no regional breakdown provided). Interviews with 18–19-year-olds reveal disadvantaged students faced poor grades, limited support, and financial pressures, forcing many to abandon university ambitions for work. Long-term economic vulnerability, rather than short-term shocks, most strongly shaped outcomes, raising concerns about widening inequality and reduced social mobility. The report called for reintroducing and increasing maintenance grants and support thresholds for disadvantaged students, alongside implementing an Essentials Guarantee for Universal Credit.

Enrichment Accounts Proposed to Tackle Child Poverty

The IPPR has suggested creating “enrichment accounts” to ensure all children, regardless of income, can access extracurricular activities that build confidence, skills, and opportunities. With 4.5 million UK children in poverty and extracurricular cuts worsening post-pandemic, the plan suggests annual top-ups of £410–£510 per child via Universal Credit, aiming to guarantee at least two hours of enrichment weekly. This approach shifts focus from basic needs to broader development, aiming to reduce inequality and improve life chances by funding sports, arts, and cultural experiences for disadvantaged families.

Higher Education’s Uneven Impact on Social Mobility

The Sutton Trust’s Degrees of Difference report finds that while higher education boosts earnings and life chances globally, it has not closed social mobility gaps. Across OECD countries, graduates from non-graduate families remain 45% less likely to reach top earnings compared to peers with graduate parents. In the UK, two-thirds of mobility gains come from higher education, yet elite institutions still admit few disadvantaged students. The report calls for systemic reforms, including broader access, vocational pathways, and policies to reduce persistent inequalities.

The Hidden Costs of Regional Inequality in UK

Research by EPI and Oxford University reveals how class, gender, and geography shape life chances across the UK, with Wales and Northern Ireland lagging furthest behind. Boys in Northern Ireland are 17 percentage points less likely than girls to enter higher education, while Welsh boys have the lowest progression rates overall. Disadvantage amplifies these gaps, with women from affluent Northern Irish areas four times more likely to attend university than deprived Welsh men. Persistent inequalities highlight urgent need for better data and coherent post-16 pathways to boost social mobility.

What do first Time Voters think about Social Media, Politics, the State of Britain and their Futures?

A new study listening to 16–18-year-olds across the UK debunks media stereotypes of a generation disengaged from democracy and dominated by influencers like Andrew Tate. Researchers found teens consume balanced news, care deeply about politics, and want democracy to work better. Far from apathy, this group shows optimism and a desire for change despite facing major challenges such as climate breakdown and economic uncertainty. The report urges policymakers and educators to rethink assumptions and engage meaningfully with young voices shaping the nation’s future.

Health, wealth and employment in the run-up to state pension age

A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) examines employment trends among people in their 50s and 60s. Employment rates for 50–64-year-olds rose significantly from the mid-1990s to 2019, peaking at 72.8%, but have slightly declined post-pandemic to 71.7%. While the UK saw modest gains compared to other OECD countries, its employment rates for older workers remain lower than many Northern European peers. The report highlights the importance of understanding these trends as longer working lives are key to managing the costs of an ageing population.

Smart Infrastructure, Stronger Britain: AECOM’s Vision for 2035

AECOM’s report urges the UK to unlock growth through its 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy by accelerating delivery, adopting AI-first solutions, and attracting private investment. Recommendations include appointing an infrastructure minister, streamlining planning, and using AI and digital twins to cut costs and carbon. It also calls for reimagined public-private partnerships and greater transparency in the £725bn National Infrastructure Pipeline to boost investor confidence. Examples like the Great Grid Upgrade and Northumberland Line show how smarter delivery can transform UK infrastructure.

Latest Business Demography Data Release by the ONS

Analysis by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) shows the WMCA area saw 14,395 new enterprises in 2024, up 2.2% and above the national growth rate, while enterprise deaths fell 17.8% to 12,140. Birth rates rose to 13.7%, surpassing deaths by 2,255. Active enterprises declined 1.3% to 104,870, though five-year growth remains positive. High-growth firms increased 11.7% to 430, outperforming national trends. Survival rates remain below UK averages, highlighting challenges for long-term resilience. The data underscores WMCA’s stronger recovery compared to national patterns but signals the need for continued support for business sustainability. See the Annex for more details.

Goldman Sachs to Double Birmingham Workforce with Major Expansion

Goldman Sachs has confirmed plans to expand its Birmingham office in a move expected to create 500 jobs. In 2022, the investment banking giant signed a long-term lease agreement at One Centenary Way. It has now revealed plans to expand its operations in Birmingham as the investment is forecast to double Goldman Sachs' headcount in the city to more than 1,000.

Birmingham AI Start-Up Secures $3M Pre-Seed Funding for UK and US Expansion

A Birmingham-based AI start-up has completed a $3m pre-seed round to fuel its product development and platform expansion across the UK and US. GitLaw is a website that lets small businesses and law firms download, share and amend documents such as non-disclosure agreements or sales contracts quickly. The $3m pre-seed round was led by Jackson Square Ventures, with participation from Flex Capital, Background Capital, and several angel investors.

One in Six UK Employers Predict Job Losses from AI Adoption

A CIPD survey reveals that 17% of UK employers expect artificial intelligence to reduce headcount, particularly in administrative and routine roles. While most organisations anticipate productivity gains, concerns remain over workforce displacement and skills gaps. The report urges businesses to invest in reskilling and ethical AI strategies to balance efficiency with employee well-being and long-term job security.

Building a World-Class Curriculum for All

England’s 2025 curriculum review calls for an inclusive, knowledge-rich system with clearer progression, coherence, and depth. Key proposals include removing EBacc measures, introducing V-Levels alongside A/T-Levels, strengthening financial, digital, media literacy, climate education, and oracy. It recommends diagnostic tests in Year 8, streamlined assessments, and subject-specific updates for equity and relevance. Emphasis is on social justice, SEND adaptation, teacher autonomy, and futureproofing through periodic reviews—aiming for evolution, not revolution.

Government Unveils Ambitious Post‑16 Education & Skills Overhaul to Fuel Future Growth

The UK’s Post‑16 Education and Skills White Paper sets out a sweeping plan to align education with economic needs by boosting employer collaboration, enhancing data-driven training, elevating further education’s prestige, and reforming higher education for sustainability and access. Measures include new Skills Bootcamps, Lifelong Learning Entitlement loans, expanded technical qualifications, regionally coordinated skills support, tuition fee inflation protect, reintroduced maintenance grants, and intensified accountability to ensure quality and workforce development.

UK Government Launches Clean Energy Jobs Plan to Double Green Workforce by 2030

The government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan outlines a roadmap to nearly double clean energy jobs from ~440,000 in 2023 to 860,000 by 2030, boosting energy security and economic justice. It pledges £1.2 billion for skills training, five new Technical Excellence Colleges, £20 million to support North Sea worker transitions, and emphasises fair pay, union representation, and local delivery across the UK. The plan aims to create high-quality, inclusive careers while driving clean energy investment.

UK Faces NEET Surge: Nearly One Million Young People Missing from Work and Education

A Resolution Foundation briefing reveals almost a million UK youths aged 16–24 are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) - a sharp rise driven by poor labour-market participation and stalled education. Over half are economically inactive, with health issues or other reasons keeping them disengaged, and nearly half not receiving benefits. The report highlights high NEET rates at the local authority level, including Dudley with 21.5% of 16-17-year-olds currently NEET. The report calls for tougher enforcement of participation rules for 16–17‑year‑olds and an expanded, inclusive Youth Guarantee covering all 18–24‑year‑olds to re-engage this “missing generation.”

Third of People in England Unhappy with Local Job Opportunities

In this blog, Carnegie UK finds growing dissatisfaction with local life in England. One-third of people are unhappy with job opportunities, trust in councils is falling, and issues like litter and noise are rising. The Life in the UK Index shows wellbeing has stagnated since 2023, with income, deprivation, and disability as key factors. Carnegie calls for stronger local governance and participatory initiatives to restore trust and address community priorities.

Student Working Lives

A report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) reveals how paid work is reshaping the student experience amid the cost-of-living crisis. Two-thirds of students work to cover basic living costs, and over a quarter work to support their families. Most jobs are in low-paid, flexible sectors like retail, hospitality, and care, with students averaging 17 hours of paid work weekly and a total workload of around 50 hours including study and travel. The report calls for systemic reform, improved financial support, and a national Student Employment Charter to ensure equality of outcomes for working students.

IPPR’s Plan for SEND Reform

IPPR’s Breaking the Cycle report warns England’s SEND system is overwhelmed, with Education, Health and Care Plan requests up 250% since 2014 and thousands waiting over a year for support. Cuts to early intervention and rising need have driven delays, high costs, and poor outcomes—only 22% of SEN Support pupils achieve grade 5+ in English and maths. IPPR calls for urgent reform, including school-based Additional Learning Support and a roadmap for inclusive education via its new Inclusion Taskforce, aiming for faster, fairer support.

Decline in UK Children’s Wellbeing

The Good Childhood Report 2025 reveals persistent declines in UK children’s wellbeing, with school and appearance emerging as major sources of unhappiness. One in nine children report dissatisfaction with school, while over one in five girls are unhappy with their looks. Rising prices and crime remain top worries, alongside academic pressure. The report calls for urgent action to reverse these trends and ensure children feel supported and hopeful for the future.

Report Warns 290,000 Under-Fives Will Miss Out on Free Meals Despite Universal Credit Expansion

Bremner & Co’s analysis reveals that most disadvantaged children under five in formal childcare will remain excluded from Free Early Years Meals even after Free School Meals expand to all Universal Credit households in 2026. Only 39,000 early years children - less than 4% - will qualify, compared to 30% of school pupils. The restrictive eligibility criteria and lack of dedicated funding for meals in private and voluntary nursery settings are blamed for this stark disparity and the report urges government to extend eligibility across all settings, scrap attendance restrictions, introduce automatic registration, and invest in food provision to tackle widening nutritional inequality.

Government Acts to Tackle Childhood Obesity

The UK government announced urgent measures to combat rising childhood obesity after data showed 10.5% of reception and 22.2% of Year 6 pupils are obese, with rates highest in deprived areas. Actions include junk food advertising restrictions, banning high-caffeine energy drinks, expanding free school meals, and introducing universal free breakfast clubs to promote healthier eating and physical activity. The goal is to reverse obesity trends and reduce health inequalities.

Report Urges National Policy Shift to Link Health and Economic Growth

The Growth and Reform Network and Health Foundation argue that poor health undermines UK productivity and inclusive growth. Their report calls for national government to embed health outcomes in economic development through shared indicators, integrated funding, and cross-departmental collaboration. At a regional level, the West Midlands-developed Health in All Policies [HiAP] toolkit for strategic authorities is highlighted as one such approach to support collaboration. Evidence from 144 studies and UK pilots shows that sustained, context-sensitive, co-designed interventions—such as housing, transport, and skills—can reduce health inequalities. Recommendations include flexible funding, long-term investment, and guidance for strategic authorities under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.

Hospital of the Future: Ending the Patient Gridlock

Hospitals face rising costs, falling productivity, and eroding patient trust due to outdated models. Patient flow is the Achilles’ heel, with 13,740 medically fit patients stuck in hospitals during the 2025 winter crisis. Optimising flow can boost capacity without extra beds or funding. Key proposals from Re:State include introducing hospitalists for complex cases, creating a seven-day discharge workforce, and professionalising hospital management. These reforms aim to reduce delays, improve efficiency, and transform hospitals into productive, patient-focused systems.

Report Reveals £250m Profit Extraction from UK Care Services by Private Firms

A new report from the Reclaiming Our Regional Economies [RORE] programme [Centre for Local Economic Strategies, New Economics Foundation, Co-operatives UK and Centre for Thriving Places] warns that decades of austerity and marketisation have turned UK social care into a profit-driven system, draining local resources while underpaying workers and delivering poor services. It exposes how private providers - especially private equity and tax-haven‑registered firms - extracted over £250 million in wealth away from three English regions (including the WMCA area) between 2022–2025, siphoning public funds while neglecting worker pay and care quality. With 70% of local authority budgets devoted to care, frontline workers remain underpaid, and facilities under resourced. The report urges local and national authorities to overhaul commissioning practices, reinvest in ethical models like cooperatives and social economy organisations, and prioritise care systems focused on people and place.

UK Domestic Burning Linked to Thousands of Deaths and £2 Billion Health Costs

A new report from Action for Clean Air reveals that wood and coal burning in UK homes contributes to severe air pollution, causing around 2,500 deaths and 27,000 life years lost annually. Two mitigation scenarios - expanding smoke control areas and ending secondary burning - could cut PM2.5 emissions by up to 73%, prevent over 1,500 deaths, and save £2bn in health and productivity costs. Eliminating secondary burning offers the greatest health and economic benefits, highlighting urgent need for stricter policies and public awareness.

First Rail Freeze in 30 Years to Ease the Cost of Living

Millions of commuters across the country will benefit from a freeze on rail fares for the first time in 30 years, the Chancellor and Transport Secretary have announced, helping with the cost of living and supporting economic growth.  The Chancellor is set to freeze fares at the Budget, with passengers not paying a penny more on season tickets, peak returns for commuters and off-peak returns between major cities. The move will save commuters hundreds of pounds off their season tickets, freeze costs for travellers, and support growth in town centres across the country.

Affordable Infrastructure: How Strategic Authorities Can Use Housing and Public Transport to Tackle Health Inequalities

According to an essay written by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies and The King’s Fund, as part of a programme of work commissioned by The Health Foundation, housing and public transport are critical determinants of health. Strategic Authorities (SAs) are uniquely positioned to influence the affordability of homes and transport – the levers available to them offer promising potential to reduce health inequalities, particularly for those on the lowest incomes. The essay draws on conversations with mayors and SA officers to highlight how innovative housing and transport policies like municipal housebuilding and bus franchising can be scaled and amplified to achieve greater impact on narrowing health inequalities.

Impacts of Integrating Land-Use and Transport Planning: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

A Department for Transport report summarises evidence on how combining land-use and transport planning affects travel, the economy, and the environment. The findings show that, when implemented effectively, integrated planning can:

• reduce journey lengths;
• increase levels of active travel;
• improve the performance of public transport; and,
• deliver economic benefits through enhanced productivity and urban regeneration.

The rapid evidence assessment examines transport, economic, social and environmental outcomes associated with integrated land-use and transport planning. It also includes relevant case studies and identifies important insights for policy makers. This is of particular relevance to the West Midlands Combined Authority and associated Local Authorities who now have a statutory duty to develop a Strategic Development Strategy.

Time to Realise the True Benefits of Active Travel Schemes

Brand new research from the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) highlights the benefits of active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling), identifies key challenges, and outlines CIHT’s recommendations for unlocking its full potential across health, transport, and planning sectors.  The report identified the key benefits of implementing active travel schemes that show why they are critical for supporting much of the UK’s policy challenges. These include:

• High return on investment: £5.62 return for every £1 invested;
• Healthcare Savings: the potential to save £780m in mental health care and £540m in GP visits; and,
• Wider Impacts: supporting prevention-focused healthcare that improves wellbeing, whilst contributing to economic and environmental goals.

Free Bikes Schemes Deliver £12 Return for Every £1 Spent

A national evaluation finds Free Bikes schemes transform health, mobility, and opportunity in deprived communities. Providing bikes and wraparound support shifts people from inactive to active, prevents disease, and boosts wellbeing—saving the NHS £1m annually. Each £1 invested returns £12–£16 over a bike’s lifecycle, classed as “Very High” value for money. Benefits include reduced car use, improved access to jobs and education, and stronger community ties, making free bikes a low-cost, high-impact intervention for health and equity.

Securing Britain’s Auto Future: Accelerating the EV Transition

Britain’s £47 billion car industry, supporting 500,000 jobs, faces severe risks from high energy costs, global competition, and tariffs. Green Alliance urges urgent government action to secure the sector through the electric vehicle (EV) transition. Short-term priorities include cutting energy costs, boosting EV demand, and aligning with EU rules, while long-term strategies focus on R&D, skills, and manufacturing investment. With the EV mandate requiring all new cars to be zero-emission by 2035, the UK must act now to seize this economic opportunity.

Evaluation and Evidence for Local Industrial Strategy and Policy

An article by the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex Business School highlights the lack of robust evaluation in UK industrial and economic policy, especially at local and regional levels. It argues that evidence should be treated as a public good requiring deliberate investment and calls for building a stronger local evaluation ecosystem to improve capacity, capability, and use of existing evidence. The paper also explores institutional and incentive designs to support better evaluation practices.

Lost in 24 Hours: Rethinking Government Communication in the Digital Age

A New Britain Project report shows most major government announcements lose public attention within 24 hours, exposing flaws in traditional communication strategies. Tracking 15 flagship policies in early 2025, only the digital ID announcement sustained interest for three weeks, with search volumes 50 times higher than others. The study warns that outdated communication grids fail in a social media-driven world, where Reform UK outperforms Labour on platforms like TikTok. The takeaway: delivery only matters if people see and engage with it.

OECD Questions Whether UK Devolution Is Meeting its Promises

An OECD Cogito blog explores whether UK devolution has delivered on its goals of boosting local growth and improving public services. While metro mayors have gained visibility and some powers, progress remains uneven, with funding constraints and fragmented governance limiting impact. The blog piece calls for clearer accountability, stronger fiscal frameworks, and deeper collaboration between central and local government to ensure devolution drives inclusive, sustainable development.

A Need to Simplify UK Public Procurement to Boost Value and Innovation

Re:State’s Procure and Simple report warns that Britain’s £400 billion procurement system prioritises compliance over value, stifling innovation and excluding smaller firms. Complex rules and bureaucracy lead to delays, overspending, and missed opportunities. The think tank urges a proportionate approach focused on competition and efficiency, enabling government to buy better goods and services while attracting entrepreneurial suppliers to drive long-term growth and productivity.

Ride the Wave: Driving Local Growth Through Smarter Investment

Localis’ Ride the Wave report explores how England can unlock urban renewal and economic growth by balancing investment risk and opportunity. It calls for stronger local government capacity, enhanced powers for strategic mayors, and clearer frameworks for public-private partnerships. Key recommendations include building in-house commercial skills, harmonising outcomes frameworks, and fostering institutional maturity to attract private investment. The report emphasises inclusive, sustainable growth and urges government to simplify funding access and support risk management for local authorities.

New Devolution Report Urges Mayors to Lead Transit Revolution

A new report co-authored by The Centre for Policy Studies, Labour Together, and the Centre for British Progress advocates granting metro mayors powers to approve funding, planning consents and local revenues for tram, light rail and underground projects. Highlighting England’s lack of mass transit - Leeds remains Europe’s largest city without it - the report argues devolving Transport and Works Act Orders, levies, parking charges and land value capture would unlock faster, cheaper, regionally tailored infrastructure. Recommendations in the report aim to shift mayors from campaigners to builders.

UK Report Warns Democracy at Risk Amid Information Collapse

The 2025 report Demos introduces the VDA Framework (Verification, Deliberation, Accountability) to show that democracy only works when citizens can reliably learn what’s true, have their voices heard, and hold power to account. It argues the UK now faces an “epistemic emergency” with eroding journalism, algorithm‑driven media distortion and declining public trust, risking a slide from functional democracy into hollow or simulated versions lacking real substance. The report warns that without restoring genuine information supply‑chains and civic transparency, social cohesion, trust in institutions and democratic legitimacy may collapse.

New 2035 Climate Targets Make No Difference

The Climate Action Tracker’s November report warns global climate progress has stalled. Current pledges keep warming at 2.6°C, far from the 1.5°C goal, with major emitters failing to strengthen targets and the US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. Fossil fuel expansion persists, though renewables are rising and surpassed coal in global power generation for the first time.

UK Risks Falling Behind EU on Circular Economy as Strategy Delays Mount

Green Alliance’s review warns UK circular economy progress has stalled post-Brexit, with missed targets and delays on key reforms like extended producer responsibility and eco-design. While the EU advances with binding measures on repair rights, batteries, and construction carbon, the UK relies on voluntary schemes and slow consultations. Wales leads with ambitious recycling targets, but England’s long-awaited Circular Economy Strategy faces repeated delays. The report urges binding goals, sector roadmaps, and decisive action to match EU standards and secure competitiveness.

UKHSA Warns Climate Change is Fuelling Mental Health Crisis

A UK Health Security Agency report reveals climate change is already harming mental health in the UK, with flooding and heatwaves driving anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Vulnerable groups—rural communities, farmers, and young people—face the greatest risks. Without urgent adaptation, these impacts will worsen as extreme weather intensifies. The report calls for early warning systems and targeted mental health support to reduce inequalities and protect well-being nationwide.

The UK Methane Action Plan 2025

The UK Government plan outlines steps to cut emissions from agriculture, waste, and energy to meet climate targets and the Global Methane Pledge. Having already reduced methane by over 60% since 1990, the UK will focus on better manure management, food waste reduction, landfill gas capture, and oil and gas leak prevention. The plan also prioritises innovation and improved monitoring to maintain global leadership in methane reduction as part of the UK Government’s net zero strategy.

UK Net Zero Investor Prospectus: Driving Green Growth

The prospectus identifies major investment opportunities in clean energy, hydrogen, carbon capture, and EV supply chains as the UK targets 77% emissions cut by 2037. Backed by £63bn in public funding and initiatives like Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund, plus £50bn already invested privately, it offers clear pathways for investors through policy tools and blended finance models to accelerate renewables and drive sustainable growth.

Climate Change Committee’s 2025 Adaptation Progress Report

The 2025 Adaptation Progress Report outlines plan to strengthen resilience to climate risks. It addresses 59 recommendations, focusing on flood risk management, heatwave preparedness, and nature-based solutions. Key actions include integrating adaptation into all policies, improving monitoring and data collection, and enhancing cross-government coordination. While progress is noted, the government acknowledges the need for faster action to tackle growing climate hazards and ensure national preparedness.

Global Report Warns $350bn Annual Investment Needed to Secure Climate Resilience by 2035

The 'Returns on Resilience' report from SystemIQ and partners calls for embedding resilience into economic planning as climate and nature risks threaten global prosperity. Emerging markets need $350 billion annually - seven times current flows - to avoid $4.4–$5.4 trillion yearly losses and up to 23% GDP decline by 2050. Investments in health, agriculture, infrastructure, and  Water Sanitation & Hygiene(WASH) deliver 4:1 benefit-cost ratios, create 280 million jobs, and yield triple dividends: avoided losses, economic returns, and social benefits.

WMCA Economic Dashboard

The latest dashboard prepared by the EIU shows how prime rents continue to increase, rising 2.2% to £46.50 per square foot. This followed persistent interest at recently completed developments, such as 3 Chamberlain Square, alongside Birmingham’s limited Grade A availability. Rent free periods stand at 18 months on 10-year lease, down from 24 months 12 months ago. Find these figures and more in the annex.

MMR Vaccination Rates for 5-Year-Olds Decline Across WMCA area

Data available on the WISE Data Profiler shows the double dose MMR vaccination rate for 5-year olds has fallen steadily over the past seven years in the WMCA Area. In Q2 of 2018, rates varied from 82.4% in Birmingham to 93.7% in Dudley; in Q2 2025, rates varied from 74.3% in Birmingham to 90.9% in Dudley.