Resolution Foundation Podcasts

The West Midlands has played a pivotal role in British history as a manufacturing hub, driving innovation and economic growth which led to dramatic improvements in people’s living standards. But its city region has struggled to maintain this role over recent decades, and productivity is now 11 per cent below the national average. Both Britain as a whole, and the region itself, need a more successful Birmingham, and successful cities and towns across the wider region. But that will require significant change – on everything from transport and jobs, to how many people live there and where they live. What would a more productive West Midlands look like? Is there a plausible strategy for the region – and Birmingham in particular – to reach that point, and how does it differ from the current policy approach? What difference could the planned expansion of public transport make? Should housing continue to be prioritised in city centre land use decisions? And how should we expect success – and change – to impact diff