JRF

Year of publication: 2016

The report finds that some cities are falling behind on growth relative to the rest of the UK. The research sought to understand specific economic and social conditions that led to the relative decline of cities and the tailored policies required in response to this.

The three types of cities identified as experiencing relative decline, and the specific policy responses suggested, were:

• Core cities – principal cities of their regions that attract investment and people with high-level services and anchor institutions. Such cities include: Glasgow, Liverpool and Sheffield. To reverse decline, policies here need to focus on long-term and strategic city-regional planning; prioritising inclusive growth; and coordinating anchor institutions.
• Overshadowed cities – larger neighbouring cities with higher-level functions and main employment sites, attracting commuters. These provide the principal growth opportunities. Examples given include Bradford, Stoke and Sunderland. Policies here should focus on developing distinctive and complementary economic roles and strategies; cultivating accessibility; and improving training and skills.
• Freestanding cities – these are not overshadowed, but are smaller than Core cities (and some distance from them). Dundee, Hull and Newport are examples. To grow, they need to build on internal assets and capabilities, strengthen anchor institutions and cooperate with larger cities in economic areas, and reposition and rebrand.

Content type: Economy

Tags: Report

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