Infrastructure
Supporting more democratic, responsive urban planning and design
In one of a series of essays on how the wisdom of citizens could support councils in managing cities after COVID-19, Peter Baeck and Sophie Reynolds look at the urban planning and design process - and share inspiring examples from across the world.
Boris sets off on the COVID comeback trail
Boris Johnson’s speech in Dudley was ‘a mastery of political tub-thumpery’, says Heather Jameson. ‘But beyond the soundbites, much of the PM’s speech was a rehash of manifesto commitments and pre-announced cash.'
We need a bold move to a flexible zoning system
Analyst at Centre for Cities Anthony Breach makes the case for a flexible zoning system. It would give the public a greater say, with the drafting of a local plan becoming ‘even more important’, he argues.
Johnson launches planning reforms to help 'build, build, build'
Boris Johnson is expected to bring forward £5bn of investment in hospitals, roads and schools later today.
Johnson pledges £5bn ‘new deal’ on capital projects
Boris Johnson is expected to bring forward £5bn of investment in hospitals, roads and schools later today.
Ministers urged to invest in West Midlands
Ministers have been urged to inject £3.2bn over the next three years into the West Midlands economy to offset the impact of the pandemic.
Former Chancellor calls for infrastructure devo deal
Former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling has called for all infrastructure projects below £500m to be managed by local or combined authorities.
Five compelling reasons why HS2East must be given same priority as HS2West
It is vital that the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan for the Midlands and the North states categorically that HS2 east will be built concurrently with HS2 west, argues Cllr Judith Blake.
Infrastructure could be left in a worse condition when PFI ends, watchdog warns
Many local authorities have underestimated the time, resources and complexity involved in managing the end of PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contracts, the public spending watchdog has warned today.
Protecting our social infrastructure
The needs of community infrastructure are as deserving of funding as the multi-billions being allocated in capital funding to our big state growth schemes, says Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran.
The pandemic is yet another pressure on housing for councils to bear
CIPFA’s new and extensive suite of data Housing 360 shows the strain on housing resources alone was already close to breaking point before the pandemic hit. Dave Ayre explains.
Funding the future for local authorities
Christian Wall says it is local authorities that will be most impacted by the economic fallout of COVID-19, and they must work together to secure additional funding and a systemic approach to financial reforms.
Will the voices of the South be heard on devo?
Paul Marinko examines the prospects for devolution deals for the South of England – and concludes that if ministers are hoping for grand reorganisation plans for grabbing some of the ‘devolution cake’, they may be disappointed.
Creating a long-term new normal
Adam Cunnington says we should agree to harness our collective experience of the devastating effects of COVID-19 to work together to build a better country and a better long-term ‘new normal’.
Levelling up the rail network
Despite the coronavirus crisis, planning for the long-term economy of the country must carry on. Sir John Armitt, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, explains why they are launching their consultation on the future of rail infrastructure
Finding our levels
While austerity could be over 'as a process and a direction', the spending spree may not be quite as generous as it first appears – and there will be more devolution deals to come. Heather Jameson digests the Budget with sector experts.
Levelling up and the Budget
Lord Bob Kerslake argues that a coherent plan is needed to ensure the Budget’s new capital spending and R&D cash geared at areas outside London and the South East has maximum impact.
Social infrastructure needs funding too
Stephen Evans argues that for devolution to have the biggest impact, it must be about all regions – but he says the importance of cities is not determined solely by economic impact.
Budget 2020: Putting the numbers in perspective
By recent standards the Chancellor’s Budget jokes were pretty good, says Charlotte Alldritt of the Centre for Progressive Policy. But it is time to get serious, if the government is going to deliver on its levelling up agenda.
The future of British Steel looks ‘very positive’
Securing the former Redcar steelworks site from SSI marks the start of a new era for Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, says Ben Houchen - and the Chancellor’s £22.5m commitment for the Materials Processing Institute was a critical step forward.
