The University of Liverpool’s Heseltine Institute was at the centre of two key meetings of parliamentarians and local leaders in Westminster.
Heseltine Institute Co-director Sue Jarvis discussed unlocking UK cities’ growth potential at a panel of influential policymakers hosted by the Core Cities group, before speaking at an event on housing in the North West organised by the Liverpool City Region All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and Greater Manchester Westminster Group.
Parliamentarians including Rt Hon Lord Michael Heseltine, former Business Secretary Greg Clark MP, CEO of the RSA, Andy Haldane, members of the shadow cabinet and city leaders shared thoughts on how devolution can contribute to improving economic outcomes in England’s core cities. The roundtable discussion built on the findings of the RSA and Core Cities UK Urban Futures Commission report.
At a separate session, a Heseltine Institute research paper informed a discussion on the key housing challenges in the North West. Setting the scene with an introduction to the discussion, Professor Jarvis described three themes that would shape housing policy in the next parliament: how to improve housing quality and choice; increasing social housing stock; and encouraging innovative housing solutions.
The Heseltine Institute is the academic partner for the Liverpool City Region APPG which aims to provide a strong voice for the city region in Westminster. It produces regular research briefings for the group, which includes parliamentarians from across the political spectrum based in the region.
Core Cities UK brings together the UK’s eleven biggest cities outside of London.
Sue Jarvis said: “I was pleased to be able to contribute to discussions with parliamentarians and local leaders on two subjects that will be central to policy discussion as we approach a general election – local growth and housing.
“The Heseltine Institute is a leading developer of research on these topics and we regularly work with policymakers and practitioners from across the public, private and voluntary sectors to understand the key challenges we will need to overcome to improve local economic outcomes.”
The Heseltine Institute is an interdisciplinary public policy research institute which brings together academic expertise from across the University of Liverpool with policymakers and practitioners to support the development of sustainable and inclusive cities and city regions.
Gill Morris from the Liverpool City Region APPG said: “The Liverpool City Region All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is delighted to have the Heseltine Institute as its academic partner. Working alongside the Heseltine Institute has strengthened the APPG’s ability to provide sound policy analysis and knowledge exchange with parliamentarians, local businesses, and the local community.
“The Heseltine Institute provides a thoroughly evidenced, credible, and objective voice that enables the City Region to speak with one voice in Westminster. We thank the Heseltine Institute for their invaluable support over many years.”
The Heseltine Institute research paper ‘Unlocking great homes and places in the North West’ is available to view here.