Andrew Carter
Andrew Carter is chief executive of the Centre for Cities
The Government must act now to stop coronavirus 'levelling down'
Chief executive of Centre for Cities Andrew Carter warns that failure to act could create a situation where the Government oversees a levelling down of the country – not a levelling up.
Struggling places will fall even further behind without targeted policies
Every single city and town in the UK will need a localised plan that reflects their circumstances to help them rebuild their economies, says Andrew Carter.
Without a place-focused economic response, pre-coronavirus inequalities will become even more entrenched
In places that were often struggling prior to COVID-19 such as Barnsley or Stoke just 20% of people could work from home, writes Andrew Carter; the virus will have a bigger and longer-term impact in areas where the economy has now ground to a halt.
Failure to act on tackling air pollution would be deadly
With more than one in 19 deaths in UK cities and large towns caused by toxic air, the UK Government needs to take action urgently, says Andrew Carter. There are also steps that city leaders can take to improve the air of their constituents, he adds.
The metro mayor elections will indicate how much politics has realigned
The collapse of Labour's Red Wall should give the Conservative mayors of Tees Valley and the West Midlands cause for optimism, says Andrew Carter - but the most interesting mayoral election to watch could prove to be in Greater Manchester.
Empower cities to help people back into work
Most commentators agree that, despite Britain’s economic uncertainty, the labour market remains robust. But go below these national headlines and explore the labour market in different cities across the country and a more complicated picture emerges.
Tackle high street decline the right way
Research by Centre for Cities highlights the problem with improving high streets' cultural amenities without dealing with the economic fundamentals, according to Andrew Carter.
Grounds to be optimistic - but let's not get carried away
Andrew Carter says there are reasons to be optimistic about an urban policy renaissance under this Government - but the most significant intervention Boris Johnson could do for cities is to agree a deal with the EU.
Brexit should not be an excuse for avoiding domestic issues
The next PM should increase council funding, build homes where they are needed and improve urban transport, according to Andrew Carter.
We need a deal with EU that minimises all export barriers
The Centre for Cities' latest report highlights that an industry-by-industry approach to trade is unlikely to work for cities, says Andrew Carter.
Give cities the discretion to manage their finances
Andrew Carter says the spending cuts borne by cities for a decade need to end - but they need more control over how they raise and spend money locally if they are to build a sustainable long-term financial future.
Another week of guessing games is time wasted
For people living and working in cities another week of guessing games about who will stay the course in Westminster is another week wasted in terms of tackling the worsening challenges facing places throughout the country, says Andrew Carter.
Budget must give cities new chances for growth
Hopefully the Budget will shed light on the future direction of cities' finances, particularly with a Spending Review looming says Andrew Carter.
The key commercial property considerations for local industrial strategies
Andrew Carter outlines the findings of a new Centre for Cities report on local industrial strategies and city centres.
Tough decisions needed to protect commercial heart of cities
As urban centres change transform, the priority should be on protecting and expanding the commercial space in city centres, rather than encouraging more residential development, argues Andrew Carter.
Cities need to up their game to make devolution a success
Devolution is not just about gaining new powers, it is about using the powers you already have. Andrew Carter believes cities are not as doing as much as they can.
Britain will continue to divide unless we devolve to more cities
The sense of dislocation across the country is only going to be exacerbated in the coming years. Andrew Carter argues the answer is to move away from one-size-fits-all policy-making and to increase decentralisation.
Wages remain stagnant despite growth - we need action
Andrew Carter calls for cities to set up inclusive growth commissions as growth across the country fails to translate into increased wages.
Business rates: reform and devolve
Andrew Carter breaks down the Centre for Cities' latest report on why devolution of the current business rates system falls far short of incentivising long-term economic growth.
Cities need greater openness to thrive – not ‘buy local’ protectionism
Some councils are looking are 'buying local' to boost economic growth. But Andrew Carter warns of the pitfalls of such a protectionist approach.
