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IPPR North

@ipprnorth.bsky.social
3.5K followers 296 following 370 posts

We're the leading think-tank based in the North丨Developing bold, progressive ideas to empower England’s regions丨21 years of independent research & influence

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Reposted by IPPR North
Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Always dangerous to be so relaxed whilst speaking to a journalist.. Great to speak with Nick Robinson for the Today Programme on how the PM’s clarity of focus helps delivery across Whitehall. @ipprnorth.bsky.social
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🧹Second day of LPC: done and dusted Busy morning of panels, followed by the Chancellor’s speech, on to meetings, lunches, and round tables. Then some great events in the evening, where northern mayors have been put front and centre 👏 Now we’re raring to go for day 3 💪🚀
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
It has long made little sense for local economies to be led by Whitehall, when local people and mayors know best what their areas need, and how young people can help bring that future forward. Reindustrialisation and devolution are core to bringing growth to the north once more 🚀💪
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
HAPPENING NOW at Labour Party Conference, 2026: 🏘️“From resilience to renewal: Investing in Britain’s communities”, hosted by IPPR North and Local Trust 📸 chaired by @zoebillingham.bsky.social, with Kate Green, deputy mayor of GM Rachel Blake MP Andrew O'Brien, ICoN Rachel Rowney, Local Trust
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Our first day at Labour Party Conference complete ☑️ Busy day for the team, @zoebillingham.bsky.social , Mirte, and @maeveschaffer.bsky.social arrive in Liverpool representing IPPR North in our jam-packed events schedule! Sunday saw us hosting The Future of the North drinks reception👇👇
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
It’s that time of year! @ipprnorth.bsky.social are at Labour conference for the next three days. Join us on Monday morning at the Museum of Liverpool for a brilliant panel on Britain’s communities followed by a discussion on good growth in every postcode 🙌
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henrimurison.bsky.social @henrimurison.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Read @joshhalliday.bsky.social #tourismlevy, one of northern correspondents today who have been explaining why policy needed @zoebillingham.bsky.social @ipprnorth.bsky.social & my colleagues @np-partnership.bsky.social worked with Mayors to win argument for it www.theguardian.com/business/202...
theguardian.com
The hospitality industry fears a tourist tax will deter visitors – the evidence says otherwise
Studies from hotspots across Europe that have introduced levies suggest they have no impact on visitor numbers
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
💪 Buzzing to see that our calls for mayoral powers to collect an overnight visitor levy across English cities and regions are today being CONFIRMED by government! Because if Barcelona does it, why can’t York!?
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
What should "rewiring the state" really mean? ✍️🗞️@ryanswift93.bsky.social writes for @publicsectorfocus.bsky.social this month on what the next stages of devolution must offer for our communities and local authorities. 🔗Read the full article here: flickread.com/edition/html...
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Ryan Swift @ryanswift93.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
I’ve written for @publicsectorfocus.bsky.social about how the next phase of devolution has to be felt by communities, through: reducing regional inequalities, improving public services and giving people more control over decision-making. flickread.com/edition/html...
flickread.com
Read the digital edition of today!
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Our director Zoë Billingham on BBC North West explaining No10 North splitting the Treasury's spending and growth functions could be the change this country needs. "It's their time to shine." - ✨ @zoebillingham.bsky.social
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
🏘️We desperately need more social & council homes, so it's great to see funding offered to a number of Northern mayors to help meet the target. In our recent report, we made clear the status quo of costly temp accom is in noone's best interest, we welcome this news 👏 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
More than 70,000 social and affordable homes to be built across England over 10 years
Funding has been granted to Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire as well as £6bn for London.
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Andy Burnham’s arrival in Downing Street creates an opportunity to go much further on the communities agenda than ever before. So what should more ambition look like in practice? Read our latest blog to find out 👇 www.ippr.org/articles/tow...
ippr.org
Towards a Communities Agenda 2.0 | IPPR
Since coming to power, Labour has begun to give communities and neighbourhoods renewed attention, with Pride in Place marking an important shift towards lo
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
🚀Boosting this country's economy with growth in EVERY region requires a major shift in mindset for Whitehall. It's great to see the political will for institutional change; it's about time we did things differently, so we welcome this move from the PM. Viva No10 North 💪
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
When I was a Treasury official I saw the grip of austerity in the department from 2010 & false hope that cuts have no consequence. To regionally reboot our economy it’s quite right that the PM wants to focus on growth & opportunity from No10 North. www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
thetimes.com
Power shift puts growth in hands of No 10 North
Andy Burnham says ‘huge transfer of power’ from Whitehall was no criticism of John Healey’s department but would be good for the economy
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Brilliant from our @maeveschaffer.bsky.social on the language of devolution. More to come from @ipprnorth.bsky.social on this.
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PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
The way devolution policy has been communicated in recent years has been jumbled, inaccessible, and hasn’t connected with the broader public Devolution needs buy-in, and that requires making it mean something to people's everyday lives, writes @ipprnorth.bsky.social's @maeveschaffer.bsky.social
politicshome.com
The word devolution needs to actually mean something to people
Devolution needs public buy-in. Public buy-in needs effective storytelling.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Positive news today on PM’s push to reduce numbers of gambling & vape shops on high streets. So often cited as symbols of decline. It’ll also be important that the public know what decisions are being made about their places & how to influence them. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Councils to get more powers to stop vape and betting shops, PM announces
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said town centres had been "hollowed out" by decades of decline.
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
👏🚆It is absolutely right that after buses, govt is making rail travel more affordable for young people. With NEETs at record highs, 18y/olds shouldn't be priced out of travelling to jobs & better opportunities, or simply moving around the country with ease 🧵
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
📣 The prime minster has announced new powers for mayors.... Here's what we think 👇
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Maya SH @msingerhobbs.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
This thread from my colleague Will is exactly why we called for rent stabilisation earlier this year Renters are vulnerable to shocks - there's nothing stopping landlords passing on increases in mortgage costs. We argue these risks should be shouldered more fairly: www.ippr.org/articles/hou...
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
👏Today is one day closer to a country decentralised, where power is no longer concentrated in one postcode of London. No10 North must be the “nerve centre” of devolution as the prime minister promised - not just an office relocated, but a place where decisions are handed down to local leaders 🧵
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
🚌A £2 bus fare cap is brilliant news for everyone who relies on buses to get to work, school, or simply travel in their local area. It means cost won't be a barrier to accessing opportunity, while offering better value for money than cars. We're big fans of buses here...
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
📰Today, Sir Keir Starmer will step down as PM, and Andy Burnham will take his place. Devolution is a key part of Labour's vision, and under Burnham, it is expected to be turbocharged. But what does that look like? Mirte Boot spoke to @sophyridge.bsky.social on Sky News this morning:
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Burnham's absolutely right to pledge the decentralisation of power from Westminster to nations & regions. But if he's to overcome the Whitehall orthodoxy that’s held the North back for so long, he must move quickly & get started from day 1 - we can't afford to wait. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cl...
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham says 'I am ready' in first speech as Labour leader
The Makerfield MP thanks Keir Starmer "for his service" and says when he takes over as PM on Monday, he will be a leader for all parts of the UK.
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Ryan Swift @ryanswift93.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
I’ve written about where we at @ipprnorth.bsky.social think the devolution agenda should go next under a Burnham government. www.ippr.org/articles/on-...
ippr.org
On home ground: The future of devolution | IPPR
The Labour government has made an impressive start on devolution. More places have devolved powers to deliver on their regions’ priorities, more mayors hav
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
📑Andy Burnham has a devolution plan. But over a quarter of England still isn't covered by a mayor. IPPR North has spent 20+ years pushing for regional power. Now is the time we could see these benefits realised - for the whole country. Find out how👇 www.ippr.org/articles/on-...
ippr.org
On home ground: The future of devolution | IPPR
The Labour government has made an impressive start on devolution. More places have devolved powers to deliver on their regions’ priorities, more mayors hav
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Reposted by IPPR North
Maya SH @msingerhobbs.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
So pleased to see this project out in the world. Homelessness is the most obvious manifestation of our housing crisis, and such a visible sign of the failure of our public services. We looked at what would be needed to adopt a housing-led approach across the country 1/🧵
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
🏡The day you're made homeless should be the day you're offered a home. Right now, councils can't do that. A lack of social housing means costly B&Bs and hostels instead. Our fix? Turn empty homes into second chances. Here's how 👇 📹: @msingerhobbs.bsky.social
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
🏠| NEW: Homelessness in England set to rise 25% by 2030 without action, that's 50,000 more people without a safe place to sleep. IPPR North and IPPR are urging government to turn empty homes into housing-led sanctuaries before the crisis deepens. Read the full report 👇 www.ippr.org/articles/hom...
ippr.org
Home truths: Housing-led approaches to homelessness | IPPR
The most meaningful progress has instead come from places where local leaders have made homelessness a priority, driving improvements in both the provision
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Devolution, skills and education, high streets - there was a lot to take in from @andyburnham.bsky.social's speech yesterday 🤔 Here's what we reckon the North needs to know 👇 📹: @maeveschaffer.bsky.social
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Devolution, skills and education, high streets - there was a lot to take in from @andyburnham.bsky.social's speech yesterday 🤔 Here's what we reckon the North needs to know 👇 📹: @maeveschaffer.bsky.social
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
🚨 ¦ NEW: IPPR NORTH REACT TO ANDY BURNHAM SPEECH www.ippr.org/media-office...
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Andy Burnham is right that this country needs bold, transformative change to its economy: the status quo isn't working. Devolution brings growth for the whole country. This is not about North vs South, it's about action vs inaction. ft.com/content/bff8...
ft.com
Andy Burnham sets out ‘10-year mission’ to raise living standards
Prime minister-in-waiting will also pledge to go further on devolution as scrutiny grows over his likely policies
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Today is the launch of Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority. Thrilled to be here, in a room full of people who are as passionate about devolution as we are!
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
💼🔟Moving some of No10's operations up to Manchester? Sounds brilliant - but it has to go with further devolution to see a truly empowered North 💪 @maeveschaffer.bsky.social talking to BBC North West Today, also featuring Northern Powerhouse Partnership's @henrimurison.bsky.social!
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A No10 up North?👀 We're down. Northerners feel so far removed from politics while decisions are made for them hundreds of miles away. But - this only works if it comes with stronger devolved powers, on tax, transport spending, culture. That would TRULY transform the North.
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A No10 up North you say?👀
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
10 years on from Brexit, has the North actually taken back control? Devolution could make it happen... @indiafhg.bsky.social 👇
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Ten years on from the tragic murder of Jo Cox, politicians from all levels of British government are still subject to abuse, threats, and violence both online and offline. Here's why that's not just harmful to our society, but also to democracy and devolution...👇 🧵
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Institute for Public Policy Research @ippr.org · 10/06/2026
Once again, we are seeing a tragic event being exploited by the far right - this time in Belfast - to sow division, target people of colour and incite violence. Something has to change. Here's our response 👇
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
🔨Unblocking barriers to sports-led regeneration would be ground breaking for the North. Any Olympic games would mean we'd need venues, transport, jobs, housing... 🤸But communities must be part of these plans from the jump to truly transform our region. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
chroniclelive.co.uk
Stadium regeneration promise is 'significant opportunity' for Newcastle
The Government has promised to "unblock" barriers to new housing, transport, and business developments linked to the regeneration of major stadiums in cities including Newcastle
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
🏗️The PM has backed northern mayors to build. And it's about time, Leeds has been waiting 30 years for a tram. Now we must go further: let mayors keep a share of what they earn when their economies grow. 🏘️That's how you really get Britain building. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
PM says 'let's get on' with building West Yorkshire's tram network
West Yorkshire's mayor says she is confident the trams will be running "by the end of the 2030s".
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Can hosting big sporting tournaments like the Open bring benefits for the North? They can, but only if communities and regions are considered from the beginning. Here's @maeveschaffer.bsky.social for BBC North West 👇
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
📈The North just got a big investment boost... £120 million of investment unlocked in Manchester; 4,000 jobs backed in Durham; 1,600 homes in Sheffield, stuff communities have waited years for. PLUS the Chancellor doubled down on her commitment to a fiscal devolution roadmap by Autumn Budget 👉
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
🚌Buses are essential for so many people across the North. They connect us to family and friends, work and leisure, and widen our opportunities and worlds everyday, not just in the summer hols. + great to see the positive impacts of devo, given this scheme began in WMCA www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Children in England to be offered free bus trips this August
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is to reveal a £100m fare-free bus scheme designed to relieve cost-of-living pressures.
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
🤝 | NEW: At IPPR North, recent polling shows trust in politicians, MPs & Parliament is at rock bottom. Today, IPPR launched a new report on how to rebuild democratic trust in Parliament. Written by our very own @ryanswift93.bsky.social Take a look 👇 www.ippr.org/articles/rei...
ippr.org
Reimagining lawmaking: How to rebuild trust in parliament | IPPR
All too often citizens are merely spectators as decisions are taken and laws are made in Westminster that shape their lives. This must change. People must
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
👀🏅Some people are criticizing the Northern Olympic bid for 2040... Here's why we disagree 👇
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
🚆HS2 was never about speed, it was about infrastructure. Somewhere along the way that got lost. Now we have neither. 14 years on, the north still runs on Victorian railways. Delays, disruption, stress for millions just trying to get to work. NPR can't be the next HS2. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
HS2 failings blamed on high-speed focus and political pressure
A new reviews confirms the high-speed rail line's
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William Ellis @willellisecon.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
GDP grew 0.6% in March — better than feared, but don't get comfortable. As I wrote today, the Iran shock barely shows up in this data. The real damage is still coming, and leaving it to the Bank of England is the wrong response. www.lbc.co.uk/article/gdp-... 🧵👇
lbc.co.uk
Don't be fooled by today's GDP figures. The real Iran shock is coming | LBC
An immediate 10p fuel duty cut could reduce peak inflation by up to 2 percentage points, writes economist William Ellis
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