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Zoë Billingham

@zoebillingham.bsky.social
1.3K followers 407 following 106 posts

Director of IPPR North in Manchester. Economist focused on people’s lived experience. Regional policy. Views my own.

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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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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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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Great to speak to Iain Watson for BBC News this morning on what to expect from Burnham at #LPC26. Cost of living should remain centre stage. Budget only four weeks away & will need to be bold. Hope & change!
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Today we publish a new report on fiscal devolution 🚨 Government should be bold at Budget in devolving a substantial portion of income tax revenues; this needs to be accompanied by capacity for mayoral strategic authorities & accountability to match scale. www.ippr.org/articles/dev...
ippr.org
Devolution that delivers: Fiscal power for regional growth | IPPR
Now, the government has promised the biggest shift of power out of Westminster in a generation. This paper shows how centralisation holds back regional gro
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Great write up following our conversation with @theguardian.com on the overnight levy. Business Improvement Districts across the country have already brought levies forward in many places - this now adds accountability and consistency, in the places mayors want the powers.
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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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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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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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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Good to speak to @mirror.co.uk about government’s rumoured plans to review railcards. It’s great that the Network Railcard exists; it’s odd that it only covers the South East. www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic... @ipprnorth.bsky.social
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Today’s Cabinet Statement commits to the fundamental rewiring of power in our country. It’s without doubt the most decisive shift in economic control we’ve seen in decades. What’s more, the public will now be part of decisions that change lives. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a6c7a...
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
👥NEW REPORT: Local government reorganisation is once-in-a-generation opportunity - if done well. Government and local authorities should take action to use the process to revive democracy in local communities and shift power downwards👇 Read the full report here: www.ippr.org/articles/mak...
ippr.org
Making the most of it: Unitarisation, hyperlocal democratic renewal and community empowerment | IPPR
This report looks at the democratic implications of the government’s agenda for local government unitarisation under the English devolution and community e
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Ryan Swift @ryanswift93.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Great to write in @labourlist.bsky.social today about our latest @ipprnorth.bsky.social report and how local government reorganisation must result in local democracy renewal. labourlist.org/2026/02/unit...
labourlist.org
'Unitarisation risks weakening local democracy unless communities are put in the driving seat' - LabourList
Nearly 30% of England faces local government overhaul. Without safeguards, unitarisation could cut councillors, weaken accountability and distance communities from power.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
👀
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
I think it's right that the May local elections will be going ahead, even in areas undergoing local government reorganisation. Democracy cannot be a matter of convenience or cost. mhclgmedia.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/16/u...
mhclgmedia.blog.gov.uk
Update on May 2026 local authority elections
We have today issued the below statement for immediate use on the local authority elections taking place in May 2026. An MHCLG spokesperson said: “Following legal advice, the Government has withdrawn ...
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
🏘️"Neighbourhood precincts are often people’s go to spaces... it’s right they are taken as seriously as high streets. We need physical spaces to come together, to regain a lost sense of community." @zoebillingham.bsky.social spoke to The Guardian👇👇 www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
England’s poorest areas have 70% more vape shops and bookmakers than wealthier ones
Data shows deprived communities have more off-licences and takeaways and fewer childcare facilities and gyms
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Ross Mudie @rmudie96.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Thanks also to @joshhalliday.bsky.social for covering the work, and lovely to see comments in here from @zoebillingham.bsky.social and @drjennings.bsky.social too! www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
England’s poorest areas have 70% more vape shops and bookmakers than wealthier ones
Data shows deprived communities have more off-licences and takeaways and fewer childcare facilities and gyms
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
🥇 NORTH OF ENGLAND 2040 🥇 Hosting the Olympics in the North would be a GAME CHANGER for the region. Bringing a boost to investment, job opportunities, and the visitor economy; people would feel its impact in the years to come and the decades following. thegreatnorth.org.uk/news/the-gre...
thegreatnorth.org.uk
The Great North mayors and leaders call on Government to base future UK Olympic bid in the North
The North of England could play host to the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in history, as Northern Mayors and Leaders today set out a clear ...
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
📗We welcome the Chancellor's efforts in shifting Treasury orthodoxy so that projects in the North can get fair shots. Yet, this is the 3rd change to the Green Book in as many years, the fact it's taking so long shows the depth of this culture in Westminster. www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/politic...
yorkshirepost.co.uk
Rachel Reeves changes to Treasury rules to boost infrastructure projects in the North
Rachel Reeves has announced major changes to Treasury rules around infrastructure project spending, which the Government says will address “historic underinvestment” in the North and other parts of th...
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
“Make the North even greater”cc @thenorthernagenda.bsky.social
thenorthernagenda.bsky.social
The Northern Agenda (@thenorthernagenda.bsky.social)
Power, politics and public affairs in the North of England - sign up to our FREE daily newsletter at this link 👇 www.thenorthernagenda.co.uk
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Great to see @martinsandbu.ft.com rejecting fatalism on regional inequality & focusing on what can be done… www.ft.com/content/91de...
ft.com
The left-behind economy and what to do about it
New insights into regional inequality
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
📊ONS employment figures for the North East released today paint a stark image of the region - but they don't tell the whole story. @indiafhg.bsky.social, Newcastle-based researcher at IPPR North explains why👇👇
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Clear thinking from @xiaoweixu.bsky.social as usual on the UK youth mobility story - more in IFS publication below. Great to hear @amcanning.bsky.social experience of the Bradford Opportunity Area. Bringing health & education together meant glasses for kids so they can learn to read.
hearamcanning.bsky.social
Bluesky
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Great to see IPPR North research on disparities in transport spending on the North, London, and the rest of the country showcased on @itvpeston.bsky.social last night. The difference in spending truly is stark. Read the full report here: lnkd.in/etg4w27f
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
I can confirm I was not sitting smoking at my desk whilst speaking to Nick Ferrari, even if the evidence here suggests otherwise.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Northern Powerhouse Rail - a story of hope & frustration but a much needed investment. I'm glad the government has made the political commitment to delivering it, even if those timescales could be more ambitious... 🎙️Great to speak to the BBC & LBC on today's announcements this morning.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
It’s a big day for the long awaited Northern Powerhouse Rail. Strong political commitment from PM & CX of £45bn to its delivery, with £1.1bn to be invested by the end of this Parliament. Key will be the security of commitment & delivery timescales. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Government sets out plans for north of England rail investment
The scheme will be delivered in phases, starting with upgrades to lines between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield.
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
"Unless [Reform] wanted to strip services away from some of the most vulnerable people in the country – and low and modest earners too – this was always the reality." @zoebillingham.bsky.social on Reform councils raising taxes against pledges, for @bigissue.com👇 www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
bigissue.com
Reform UK 'collides with reality' over council tax rises
Reform UK will increase council tax in several councils it controls – despite previously pledging to “cut waste and reduce your taxes”.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Interesting piece. Highlights “the contrast between the practical solutions being offered by the mayors.. with the far right’s scapegoating” but cautions against polarisation of progressive cities & rural areas. More rural mayors in UK will test mayoral politics. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
‘We have a new role’: mayors across the world increasingly taking on society’s biggest challenges
From Budapest to Barcelona, New York to Paris, mayors are increasingly being thrust on to the political frontlines as they face down the rise of the far right
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Last four days to apply to this cracking @ipprnorth.bsky.social job. Join us in 2026!
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
In 2025, a group of us from @ippr.org went to Washington DC to learn from what had gone wrong for US progressives. Handily summarised by this notice at a DC sandwich shop. Slightly longer version here: www.ippr.org/articles/its.... May 2026 bring focus & progressive progress. Happy NYE.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
👀👇
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Did you know that Leeds is the largest city in western Europe without a mass transit system? The Leeds tram is a great example of intra-regional transport that's critical for connecting communities in the North. But our communities cannot wait any longer... 👇👇 www.reuters.com/world/uk/tra...
reuters.com
Tram network for England's Leeds delayed until late 2030s
Plans for a long-promised tram network in the northern English city of Leeds have been pushed back to the late 2030s, a government review published on Thursday showed, underscoring Britain's chronic d...
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
📰The Social Mobility Commission’s state of the nation report is out. At IPPR North we're not surprised at its findings. The government must address these disadvantages so the next generations can break out of the doom-loop of regional inequality. 👇👇 www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
theguardian.com
UK’s industrial regions face ‘entrenched disadvantages’ going back decades
Social mobility report highlights ‘extreme regional differences’ in terms of childhood, jobs, innovation and growth
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
New year, new start? Great new job @ipprnorth.bsky.social will be posted this week👀
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
📈 This morning, our Director @zoebillingham.bsky.social presented to The Great North Board on securing pan northern investment. ⚽And the brand new Everton stadium was a brilliant location for the board meeting! Pictured below...
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
Great to be on BBC North West couch this morning, live from Media City with Paul Waugh MP & Conservative Cheshire & Warrington mayoral candidate Ben Fletcher. Broad consensus on the need for mayors to be able to have financial freedoms & more devolved power, some disagreement on Budget 2025!
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
This, this & this👇 Removing the two-child limit supports working families.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Some good calls today, with room to improve on the cost of living & regional investment..
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
🔔It’s Budget Day!🔔 This Budget will show who the government is working for. We’ll be looking out to see if it passes our three tests: ⚖️ Is it fair, asking more of those with the broadest shoulders? 💷 Does it reduce the cost of living? 📈 Is it pro-growth?
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
We hope government will help lift 500,000 children out of poverty today. High time to end the arbitrary two-child benefit cap.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Great to have worked with many of England’s mayors, @np-partnership.bsky.social, @centreforcities.bsky.social & @clesthinkdo.bsky.social on helping to make the case 🙌
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Devolution is essential for empowering our communities, councillors & mayors - but also our MPs. Read why in my opinion piece for @labourlist.bsky.social✍️ Do you agree? labourlist.org/2025/11/no-m...
labourlist.org
'Time for MPs to stop being ‘Super Councillors’ and start being legislators again' - LabourList
MPs Are Overstretched as ‘Super Councillors’—Devolution will restore their primary role as legislators says IPPR North's Zoe Billingham.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Targeting the cost of living wins elections. Can Mayor Mamdani deliver with so many working against him? He is willing to be “caught trying” to improve affordability & will no doubt communicate progress well, so I feel hopeful. If he fails, we’ll still know whose side he’s on.
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Yes
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Should UK mayors learn from @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social? Like Mamdani they should be not be afraid to be "caught trying" to reduce the cost of living. Read my latest column for the The Municipal Journal✍️ www.themj.co.uk/uk-mayors-le...
themj.co.uk
Should UK mayors learn from Mamdani?
In just under a month, New York City will vote for its next mayor. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani is currently maintaining a double-digit lead in the polls,...
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
👇
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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Our Marcus' take on the announced Pride in Place funding
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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Such a brilliant panel this afternoon where we responded to the PM’s challenge of ‘grassroots growth’.
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