New Economic Opportunites in UK Northern Regions Could Help Ease Recession
A new report from ippr north talks about The Impact of the Recession on the Northern City Regions, uses detailed analysis of unemployment data to show that, as a general rule, those areas within northern city-regions that were left behind in the boom years have suffered most in the recession.
It explains that the northern city regions have been hit by a ‘triple whammy’ effect in the recession:
- Unemployment has increased most in the areas where it was already highest, in part due to the prevalence of low value-added manufacturing in these regions. For example, between March 2008 and September 2009 unemployment has risen by 3.1% and 3.4% in Yorkshire & Humber and the North East respectively but just 2.1% in London.
- Certain housing-led regeneration efforts have been hit hard.
- Some deprived areas would be likely to be badly hurt by future government spending cuts.
- The report stresses that from now on, any reliance on a ‘trickle-down’ approach to regeneration must be questioned, proactive policy-making must happen to ensure that the North returns to growth and that people living in disadvantaged parts of the northern regions, have direct access to economic opportunities and benefits.
Ed Cox, Director of ippr north said:
“In recent years Northern city-regions have been the focus of efforts to revitalise old industrial towns and cities and have witnessed considerable economic growth. Through strong leadership and strategic vision, significant steps have been taken to transform city-regional cores.
“However, times have changed and businesses are likely to face more difficulties in accessing credit. Central and local government, regional bodies and businesses need to work together to come up with innovative financial solutions to ensure investment in infrastructure and transport is maintained. Building on its strong track record of co-operation and enterprise will allow the north to lead the way in addressing the challenges of the next few years.”
Further steps must be taken to ensure that the North’s old dependencies on low value-added manufacture and public sector employment are broken. If this is to be achieved, the Northern regions must attract the jobs of the future in areas such as green and creative technologies. And to make a real impact on deprivation, efforts should be clearly targeted at areas of most stubborn deprivation like Hull, Liverpool and South Teesside, which have the highest unemployment rates within the northern city regions.
Topics: Britain, economic development, economic growth, Economy, England, Governance, government spending cuts, housing, jobs, North East, Northern City Region, recession, UK, unemployment, United Kingdom
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
