Cities Northwest

Article

While recent performance in England's Northwest has been higher than the average for other English regions, the region is still not contributing what it could to the UK's economy, and serious economic and social problems remain. This book brings different ideas and perspectives together to contribute to the debate.

England's Northwest is a £98 billion economy with 6.8 million people and 230,000 firms. It is home to the largest media hub outside London (Manchester), one of the world's most famous waterfronts (Merseyside), and the largest concentration of advanced manufacturing and chemicals production in the UK (Lancashire and Cheshire).

While recent performance has been higher than the average for other English regions, the region is still not contributing what it could to the UK's economy, and serious economic and social problems remain.

Overall, economic forecasts suggest that the next few years will be tougher for the region, in part due to population change and tighter public spending.

This book brings different ideas and perspectives together to contribute to the debate. It is clear that there is no one model for all cities in the Northwest, let alone the rest of England. Regional and local differences require devolved and flexible policies if the economy is to succeed.

Centre for Cities has re-launched as an independent think tank. You can visit them online at http://www.centreforcities.org.

Related items

  1. A row of international flags flying in the breeze outside a building in Paris on a sunny day

    Diversifying diplomacy: UK strategy in a fragmenting world

    How the UK might build more durable international partnerships in energy, defence and technology.
  2. A 'To Let' sign outside a row of houses on a residential street, UK

    High housing costs in the private rental sector: The case for action

    45 per cent of all private renters in the UK have unaffordable rents. It's time for the government to act to limit rent increases.
  3. A wide shot of several large commercial vessels, including oil tankers and a survey boat, floating on turquoise water. In the background, an industrial shoreline with numerous smokestacks and refinery infrastructure is visible under a cloudy sky. Concept of global logistics, maritime industry, and international trade.

    Price caps and economic stability: How to manage the Iran war energy shock?

    The Iran war energy shock will impose significant costs on the UK economy, even if the government does not offer a universal support package.