The Big Picture: August Trends and Developments

UK Economy Continues to Grow Despite Mixed Monthly Performance

UK GDP grew by 0.7% in the three months to May 2026, driven primarily by a 0.7% increase in services output, while construction rose by 1.6% and production by 0.1%. Monthly GDP increased by 0.1% in May, recovering from a 0.1% decline in April, as growth in services offset falls in production and construction during the month. The figures suggest continued economic resilience, although growth remains uneven across sectors.

Study Links Better Mental Health to Higher Local Incomes and Productivity

New research from The Productivity Institute finds that improvements in population mental health are associated with stronger local economic performance across England. Analysing nearly 7,000 areas between 2011 and 2019, the study found that a one-unit improvement in mental health was linked to a 1.9% rise in household income the following year. Researchers argue that investment in mental health support can boost productivity, labour market participation and inclusive growth, particularly in areas facing entrenched economic challenges.

IPPR Urges Values-Based Reset of UK-Europe Relations

An IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research) paper argues that the UK should rebuild its relationship with Europe around shared values such as democracy, human dignity and the rule of law, rather than focusing solely on economic and transactional interests. It contends that growing global instability strengthens the case for deeper cooperation with European partners and calls for a new approach that places common principles at the centre of UK-European engagement.

Big Cities Hold Key to UK Growth, Think Tank Finds

Centre for Cities’ Big Cities Outlook 2026 argues that the UK’s largest cities outside London are central to raising national living standards but continue to underperform economically. The report highlights gaps in productivity, employment, connectivity and housing, estimating substantial gains if big cities matched national averages. It calls for deeper devolution, better transport integration, more housebuilding and support for innovation to unlock growth and reduce deprivation in urban areas.

Electrification Could Create 250,000 Jobs and Boost UK Growth, Report Finds

A Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership report argues that rapid electrification is the best route to stronger economic growth, energy security and resilience. Modelling suggests an electrification-led pathway could leave UK GDP more than 1% higher by 2050 and create around 250,000 additional jobs compared with current policies. The report calls for reforms to energy pricing, investment, infrastructure and financing to accelerate the transition and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

London Fiscal Devolution Reform Could Shape Future Mayoral Powers

A Centre for Cities briefing argues London has far less fiscal autonomy than comparable G7 cities, limiting its ability to drive growth and investment. It calls for greater fiscal devolution, highlighting the UK’s highly centralised system. The findings are relevant to West Midlands leaders as debates on deeper mayoral powers and local revenue-raising continue across England’s combined authorities.

Resolution Foundation Warns UK Faces Long-Term Fiscal Pressures

A new Resolution Foundation report argues Britain’s fiscal challenges stem from weak growth, rising ill-health and demographic pressures. It calls for reforms to public finances, productivity and long-term spending plans, warning that current debt trends are unsustainable. The findings have implications for local authorities and combined authorities managing increasing service pressures and constrained budgets.

IPPR Urges New Vision of Democratic Citizenship

An IPPR report argues that debates about citizenship have become too focused on national identity and welfare eligibility. The report calls for renewed democratic participation, stronger public institutions and a greater emphasis on shared rights and responsibilities as part of a broader programme of democratic renewal.

Review Highlights Economic Importance of UK Franchising

An Enterprise Research Centre review finds franchising supports around 770,000 jobs and remains an important route into business ownership. However, it also identifies concerns about the effectiveness of the UK’s self-regulatory framework and considers whether stronger regulation could better protect franchisees while supporting entrepreneurship and growth.

UK Has Scope to Increase Public Investment

A Productivity Institute study finds public investment has a positive and economically significant impact on UK output, suggesting current investment levels remain below the optimum needed to maximise economic welfare. The authors estimate that public investment should account for around 6% of output, compared with a historical average of 3.5%. The findings have relevance for the West Midlands as national and regional leaders consider infrastructure, transport and growth investment priorities.

Stronger Government-Academia Links Could Improve Policymaking

An Institute for Government report says government should strengthen engagement with researchers to improve the quality of policymaking. It recommends clearer departmental strategies for drawing on academic expertise and making evidence more accessible to decision-makers, helping ensure public policy is informed by the best available research.

Proposal for New £5m Investor Visa to Boost UK Growth

A new IPPR proposal would pilot a British Business Investment Visa (BBIV), requiring high net worth migrants to invest £5 million through a British Business Bank-managed fund targeting innovative, high-growth sectors. Designed to avoid the shortcomings of previous investor visas, it includes a 10-year holding period, below-market returns, stringent anti-money laundering checks, capped numbers, and no fast-track to citizenship. IPPR estimates 100 annual applicants could generate £425 million of investment, £900 million in additional GVA, and around 4,000 jobs.

Public Investment Institutions Could Unlock Billions for Growth

A Resolution Foundation report argues the UK’s public financial institutions, including the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank, could play a larger role in boosting investment and growth. It recommends expanding investment through these bodies, claiming this would support economic development while remaining compatible with existing fiscal rules.

Government Launches Five-Year Strategy to Expand International Partnerships

The government has published a five-year Government-to-Government (G2G) Strategy for 2026-2031 aimed at driving UK economic growth and strengthening international partnerships. The plan seeks to expand G2G approaches across priority Industrial Strategy sectors, improve coordination between government and industry, and create a more unified offer to help shape, finance and deliver complex overseas programmes. The strategy is intended to make UK engagement with international partners more consistent, professional and commercially effective.

West Midlands Leaders Highlight Devolution and Regional Collaboration as Keys to Prosperity

At the Centre for the New Midlands CIC, a not-for-profit, non-partisan and independent regional think tank, annual Connections for Prosperity conference, leaders from business, local government, academia and the voluntary sector argued that greater devolution, stronger regional collaboration and a clearer West Midlands identity will be critical to driving future economic growth. Discussions highlighted the importance of long-term investment in infrastructure, housing, skills and innovation, alongside growing calls for fiscal devolution to give regions greater control over funding and economic development. Speakers emphasised that the West Midlands must be more confident in promoting its strengths, attracting investment and aligning public and private partners behind a shared vision for prosperity, regeneration and inclusive growth.

JRF Calls for Major Housing, Welfare and Energy Reforms to Boost Living Standards

A Joseph Rowntree Foundation briefing warns that rising costs linked to Middle East conflict could make this Parliament the worst on record for living standards, with the poorest households hardest hit. It argues that reforms to housing, energy, social security and insecure work could reverse declining incomes, improve economic security and reduce inequality. Key recommendations include rent controls, an energy affordability guarantee, stronger Universal Credit support and enhanced protections for workers and the self-employed.

New Report Urges Long-Term Approach to Tackling Regional Inequality

A new Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) report argues that decades of UK efforts to reduce regional economic disparities have been undermined by recurring policy failures, including short-termism, underfunding and institutional churn. Examining eight major policy interventions, it calls for a long-term, cross-party regional settlement and stronger evidence-led local institutions. The findings are particularly relevant to West Midlands leaders as the report assesses the new devolution era and highlights how local and regional authorities can drive more effective economic development.

Government Unveils Music Strategy to Widen Access and Support Grassroots Venues

The government has launched a new music strategy centred on widening access to music education, supporting creative careers and strengthening grassroots venues. Through the “Every Child Can” programme, measures include music lending libraries, mentoring for children in care, curriculum reforms and support for local music ecosystems. The plan also aims to tackle ticket touting and increase funding for grassroots venues, with a focus on ensuring creative opportunities are available regardless of background.

Research Finds R&D Investment Can Strengthen Workers’ Bargaining Power

A new Productivity Institute study finds that higher Research & Development (R&D) investment in UK manufacturing is associated with lower labour markdowns, meaning workers capture a greater share of the value they create. The effect is strongest in firms undertaking in-house, internally funded R&D and employing highly skilled research staff. The report suggests innovation investment can reduce employer wage-setting power by increasing reliance on workers with specialised, hard-to-replace knowledge.

Financial Services Sector Identified as Key Opportunity for UK AI Growth

The government has highlighted financial services as a leading sector for AI adoption, with uptake exceeding the UK average and reaching around 75% among firms surveyed by the FCA and Bank of England. AI is expected to improve fraud detection, customer services, productivity and innovation, including emerging applications such as agentic payments. The report identifies five key barriers to wider adoption and calls for greater regulatory clarity, coordination and investment to support safe, large-scale deployment.

Government Pledges Support Package for Small Businesses Amid Economic Pressures

The government has outlined measures to support small businesses including tougher late-payment laws, expanded access to finance, reduced regulatory and tax burdens, energy-cost support, business rates relief, apprenticeship and hiring incentives, digital skills and technology programmes, export support, and increased opportunities to win public-sector contracts. Highlighting the role of entrepreneurs in driving jobs and growth, it cited support for Warner’s Distillery in Northamptonshire as an example of government-backed business expansion.

Business Confidence Weakens as Investment Momentum Continues in the West Midlands

The latest intelligence provided by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) suggests the West Midlands economy remains on a steady but cautious path. While UK growth has edged higher and regional business activity has shown tentative improvement, confidence among businesses has weakened amid geopolitical uncertainty, energy cost pressures and softer export performance. Firms are increasingly focused on consolidation rather than expansion. Despite these challenges, significant investment in technology, infrastructure, innovation and clean growth continues to strengthen the region's long-term economic prospects, highlighting ongoing resilience and capacity for future growth. Read the full analysis in the annex.

WMCA Business Births Remain Below Peak Levels but There Are Pockets of Resilience

The longer-term picture suggests the WMCA's business base remains under pressure. Business births have generally trended below the post-pandemic peaks seen in 2021-22, with Q2 2026 start-up activity (3,125) well below the highs recorded in that period. At the same time, business deaths have remained relatively elevated, with closures (3,195) exceeding births in the latest quarter. There are, however, some positive signs. Business births increased year-on-year in Coventry, Dudley and Solihull, while business closures fell sharply compared with the previous quarter across the WMCA. The gap between births and deaths in Q2 2026 was small, suggesting business churn remains active and that conditions may be stabilising after a volatile period, despite the region continuing to lag the UK on business creation. Read the full analysis in the annex.

Government Details New Jobs and Careers Service to Boost Employment and Skills

The UK Government has unveiled a new Jobs and Careers Service, bringing together Jobcentre Plus and England’s National Careers Service to improve employment outcomes through personalised support, digital tools and closer employer engagement. The reforms focus on tackling skills shortages and supporting young people, disabled people and those with health conditions into work. Coventry’s Job Shop, a place‑based employment and skills hub open to all, is highlighted as an example of effective locally integrated employment, skills and support services.

Career Coaching Pilot Shows Promise in Preventing Youth NEET Status in East Birmingham

A University of Birmingham evaluation found that Birmingham City Council-funded career coaching and mentoring helped 102 Year 10 pupils at risk of becoming NEET across five East Birmingham secondary schools. The Partnership for People and Place 2 programme improved participants’ career direction, confidence, wellbeing and awareness of alternative career pathways, with potential long-term economic benefits. The findings support the case for early, targeted intervention in youth employment and skills policy.

JRF Calls for Overhaul of Worker Protections Amid Rise in Insecure Employment

A Joseph Rowntree Foundation briefing argues the UK’s system of sick pay, parental pay and employment protections is failing millions of workers, particularly the self-employed and dependent contractors. It warns current rules incentivise firms to use less secure forms of work, shifting financial risk onto workers and undermining employment reforms. JRF calls for universal access to core protections, stronger enforcement of employment status rules and closer alignment of tax treatment across different forms of work.

Government Publishes Sector Jobs Plans to Address Skills Needs

The Government has begun publishing Jobs Plans under its Industrial Strategy, setting out how employers, trade unions and public partners will tackle workforce challenges in priority sectors. Initial plans cover financial services, clean energy and life sciences, with further plans for sectors including advanced manufacturing, digital technology, creative industries and construction in development. The report positions skills, workforce development and employer engagement as key drivers of long-term economic growth and productivity.

Targeted Hiring Subsidies Seen as Best Way to Tackle Youth Jobs Crisis

A Resolution Foundation report warns that more than one million young people are now not in education, employment or training (NEET), the highest level in 13 years. It finds that targeted schemes such as the Youth Jobs Grant and Jobs Guarantee offer far better value for money than broad tax cuts or reversing minimum wage changes. The report recommends expanding targeted employment support to help more young people into work while avoiding costly, less effective interventions.

Pressure Grows for SATs Reform as Research Highlights Impact on Disadvantaged Pupils

New IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research) research argues England’s primary SATs are failing disadvantaged pupils, citing curriculum narrowing, accountability measures that overlook school context, and increased teacher pressure. Polling found 82% of primary leaders believe SATs disproportionately affect disadvantaged children, while only 7% support retaining the system unchanged. The report stops short of calling for SATs abolition but makes the case for significant reform to better support disadvantaged pupils and reduce the attainment gap.

Skills England Launches National Skills Classification to Improve Workforce Planning

Skills England has launched Version 1 of the UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC), a new national framework designed to create a common language for describing skills, knowledge and job tasks across occupations. Developed with the University of Warwick’s Institute for Employment Research, the University of Sheffield and Omnifolio, the tool aims to support workforce planning, skills analysis, careers advice and training provision through the UK Skills Explorer platform, helping align skills development with labour market needs.

IfG Calls for More Joined-Up Approach to SEND Reform

The Institute for Government (IfG) argues that planned SEND reforms will not succeed without stronger cross-government coordination and clearer accountability. The report warns that fragmented decision-making across education, health and local government risks repeating past failures, despite ambitions for earlier intervention and inclusion. It recommends a No.10-backed cross-government implementation group, clearer objectives and reforms to funding arrangements to improve outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Pension Reform Debate Highlights Trade-Off Between Savings and Pay

Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) research finds automatic enrolment has increased workplace pension participation from just over 40% in 2012 to 89% in 2024, but warns millions remain at risk of insufficient retirement savings. The report assesses options to raise minimum pension contributions, noting such reforms could improve retirement outcomes but would reduce take-home pay and increase employer costs.

Institute for Government Highlights Mayoral Role in Delivering Affordable Housing

An Institute for Government (IfG) briefing examines how devolved powers can help increase the supply of affordable homes in England. Drawing on case studies from Greater Manchester, the West of England and the West Midlands, it highlights the use of powers over land, regeneration, infrastructure and brownfield funding, alongside coordination with Homes England. The report identifies 12 lessons for mayoral strategic authorities and argues that devolution can support more effective housing delivery when aligned with wider economic and transport planning.

Crisis Calls for Housing Benefit Reform as Affordable Rentals Fall Below 2%

New research from Crisis, Citizens Advice and partners finds that just 1.9% of private rental properties in Britain are affordable for households receiving housing benefit, with frozen Local Housing Allowance rates increasingly linked to poverty, debt and homelessness. The report calls on the UK Government to restore the link between housing benefit and rental costs, arguing that current policy is placing growing pressure on households, local authorities and homelessness services.

Clean Air Fund Highlights Transport Decarbonisation Benefits for Health and Regional Growth

A Clean Air Fund report finds that decarbonising surface transport can deliver significant air quality, health and economic benefits alongside progress towards net zero. Modelling reductions in nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter emissions, the study shows that cleaner transport could contribute to 264,000 avoided deaths, £7.7 billion in additional GVA and £7 billion in welfare savings across the UK by 2050. The report is particularly relevant to the West Midlands Combined Authority, where investment in public transport, active travel and vehicle electrification could improve air quality, support economic growth and help deliver the region’s net zero and transport objectives.

Government Funds New Rail Ticket Gates to Tackle Fare Evasion

The Department for Transport has announced £33.4 million of funding for new ticket gates at railway stations across England to reduce fare evasion, which is estimated to cost the rail network up to £400m annually. New and upgraded gates will be installed at stations including Tamworth and Nuneaton on the West Midlands Trains network, helping protect revenue that can be reinvested in passenger services and network improvements. The programme forms part of wider rail reforms linked to the creation of Great British Railways, alongside expanded contactless ticketing and digital ticketing initiatives. The announcement is relevant to the West Midlands Combined Authority as it supports efforts to improve rail passenger experience, strengthen revenue collection and enhance the efficiency of the region’s rail network.

Active Travel England Publishes Rural Design Guide for Walking, Wheeling and Cycling

Active Travel England has published new guidance on planning and designing accessible active travel infrastructure in rural areas, setting out best practice for developing safe, connected and inclusive routes for walking, wheeling and cycling. Drawing on 17 case studies from across England, the guide covers route design, crossings and junctions, integration with new developments, stakeholder engagement, land acquisition and supporting local ecology. It also highlights the role of active travel in improving access to services, supporting tourism and encouraging healthier lifestyles. The guidance is relevant to the West Midlands Combined Authority, particularly in its more rural and semi-rural areas, as it provides a framework for developing active travel networks that improve connectivity between communities while supporting the region’s sustainability, health and transport objectives.

MPs Launch Inquiry into the Safety of Women and Girls on Transport Networks

The House of Commons Transport Committee has launched an inquiry into how effectively the UK Government and transport providers are protecting women and girls from violence, intimidation and harassment while travelling. The inquiry will examine issues including personal safety on public transport, walking and cycling routes, reporting and enforcement processes, the role of technology, and how transport systems can be designed to improve safety. Evidence submissions are invited until 9 October 2026. The inquiry is particularly relevant to the West Midlands Safer Travel Partnership, where improving perceptions of safety and increasing confidence in public transport are key priorities for encouraging greater use of buses, trams, trains and active travel. Findings could inform future regional investment in safer transport environments, station design, lighting, staffing and passenger security measures.

LGA Warns Rising Temporary Accommodation Costs Are Straining Councils

The Local Government Association says council spending on temporary accommodation increased by 1,077% in real terms between 2011/12 and 2024/25, reaching £6 billion over the period. It is calling for reforms to housing support funding and a stronger focus on homelessness prevention. The report highlights significant pressures in the wider West Midlands region, where temporary accommodation spending rose by 1,539% over the same period compared to 1,077% overall for England reflecting growing demand and financial strain on local authorities.

NAO Highlights Progress and Accountability Challenges in English Devolution

The National Audit Office (NAO) finds that the Government’s new Integrated Settlement funding model is giving mayoral strategic authorities greater flexibility to plan and deliver local priorities, with potential value-for-money benefits. However, it warns that reporting requirements remain burdensome and that tensions persist between Whitehall oversight and local autonomy. The report concludes that stronger local accountability arrangements are needed before devolved funding and governance can fully support improved outcomes.

City-REDI Backs Burnham’s Devolution Agenda but Warns Fiscal Reform Is Missing

A piece of City-REDI analysis finds Andy Burnham’s proposed devolution programme is broadly supported by evidence, particularly on tackling over-centralisation, place-based growth and stronger local decision-making. However, it argues success depends on deeper fiscal devolution, long-term funding and stronger local capacity. The review warns that without funding reform, governance capability and accountability measures, Burnham’s ambition to rebalance power across England could remain largely aspirational.

Centre for Cities Calls for Faster Fiscal Devolution in England

A Centre for Cities briefing supports the Government’s plans for fiscal devolution, arguing that giving regional leaders greater control over tax revenues would boost economic growth, wages and local accountability. It highlights the UK as the least fiscally devolved G7 country and recommends sharing income and corporation tax revenues with metro mayors while maintaining fair funding through redistribution mechanisms. The report urges rapid implementation of reforms announced in the Chancellor’s 2026 Mais Lecture.

House of Commons Library Reviews Development Corporations

A House of Commons Library briefing examines how development corporations can support large-scale regeneration, housing growth and new settlements. It outlines the roles and powers of mayoral, urban and New Towns Act development corporations, and reviews their historical use and impact across England. The report is relevant to the WMCA as it highlights mayoral development corporations as a tool available to strategic authority mayors to drive regeneration and development projects

Study Calls for Review of Councillor Pay to Strengthen Local Democracy

Jason Lowther argues that current councillor allowances are outdated and risk limiting participation in local democracy. Drawing on new INLOGOV research, he contends that low and inconsistent remuneration can deter potential candidates, reduce diversity and increase pressures on elected members as council responsibilities grow. The article calls for reforms to councillor pay and support arrangements to better reflect the demands of modern local government and strengthen democratic representation

Institute for Government Sets Out Seven Lessons for Public Service Digital Reform

An Institute for Government report identifies seven key lessons to improve the delivery of digital transformation programmes across public services. Drawing on evidence from past successes and failures, it argues that effective reform requires a clear long-term vision, strong leadership, multidisciplinary teams, user-centred design, realistic scoping, prioritisation of critical user needs, and better commercial and funding models. The report stresses that funding, political support and realistic timescales are essential foundations for successful digital transformation.

Fabian Society Warns ‘Accountability Gap’ Could Undermine English Devolution

A Fabian Society report argues that stronger accountability arrangements are essential if England’s devolution agenda is to succeed. While welcoming the transfer of powers from Westminster to mayors and local leaders, it contends that current arrangements, even after the strengthened arrangements in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, are both too weak and too centralised. The report calls for reforms to strengthen local scrutiny, public accountability and democratic legitimacy, while reducing excessive Whitehall oversight that can limit local decision-making and capacity.

LPIP Review Says Stronger Community Capacity Is Key to Local Renewal

A new LPIP Hub evidence review finds that empowered communities are central to tackling place-based economic, social and environmental challenges. It argues that community engagement frameworks differ across the UK nations, while local capacity for innovation is uneven and often constrained by short-term funding. The review highlights the value of community businesses, long-term investment, and participatory approaches such as citizens’ assemblies, concluding that sustainable local change requires both strong government support and active community leadership.

Experts Examine Lessons from England’s Devolution Front-Runners

An upcoming Academy of Social Sciences event explores what England’s established devolved regions can teach areas with less developed devolution experience as new powers spread across the country. The discussion focuses on the early successes and challenges of mayoral combined authorities, evolving relationships between Westminster and regional leaders, and the future shape of English devolution. It highlights growing interest in how devolved governance can drive local growth, public service reform and regional empowerment.

Researchers Call for Richer Local Evidence Beyond Traditional Data Metrics

A new LPIP Hub briefing argues that “data is never neutral” and that policymakers need stronger ways to capture people’s lived experiences of place. It proposes a place-based qualitative data observatory to connect community stories with decision-making, complementing quantitative measures. The report contends that priorities such as Pride in Place, new towns and local growth require evidence that reflects identity, belonging and local context, helping deliver more grounded and effective policy. This approach aligns with the emerging direction of travel in the WMCA, where efforts are in place to strengthen decision-making through ensuring that regional strategies are informed not only by data but also by the voices and experiences of local communities, for instance, with the WMCA Residents' Assembly and Household Surveys.

Manchester Model Could Offer Blueprint for Tackling UK Regional Inequality

A Productivity Institute report argues that Greater Manchester’s success demonstrates how devolved governance, long-term planning and institutional collaboration can support economic growth. The study identifies limited investment outside London, weak knowledge diffusion and shortcomings in land-use planning as major barriers to prosperity. It concludes that extending key elements of the “Manchester model” across the UK could help reduce regional disparities, boost productivity and deliver more balanced and sustainable national growth.

Calls for Major Fiscal Devolution Drive Under Burnham Premiership

A new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Local Government report, published prior to the Burnham government, urges the government to deliver sweeping fiscal devolution across England, giving areas greater control over taxation and public spending. It argues up to £79 billion could be devolved through tax reforms, alongside powers over skills, employment, transport and housing. The report also calls for fair funding arrangements, local government finance reform, and a long-term roadmap ensuring all parts of England can access greater fiscal autonomy rather than only mayoral strategic authorities.

Report Calls for Low-Cost Finance to Accelerate Rooftop Solar Rollout

A New Economics Foundation report argues that cheaper, government-backed finance could enable more than 8 million UK households to install rooftop solar panels and battery storage with no upfront costs. Modelling suggests low-interest loans could reduce household electricity bills while accelerating the clean energy transition. The report contends that financing, rather than technology, is the main barrier to large-scale deployment of rooftop renewable energy.

IPPR Calls for International Partnerships to Accelerate Green Industrial Growth

An IPPR report argues that achieving climate goals will require stronger international cooperation to scale up clean industrial technologies. It warns that fragmented national strategies, misaligned supply and demand; investment risks and geopolitical tensions are slowing the green transition. The report proposes technology-specific partnerships between countries to coordinate finance, infrastructure, standards and supply chains, helping accelerate deployment of clean industrial products and support global decarbonisation.

Climate Watchdog Warns UK Is Falling Behind on Net Zero Transition

The Climate Change Committee’s 2026 progress report says the UK has continued to cut greenhouse gas emissions and remains among the leading countries on climate action, but progress is too slow to meet future targets. The report urges faster electrification through greater uptake of electric vehicles, heat pumps and industrial electrification, warning that continued reliance on fossil fuels leaves households and businesses exposed to energy price shocks and undermines energy security.

MPs Call for Community Energy Revolution to Speed Net Zero Transition

A parliamentary report warns community energy risks being left behind unless the Government acts urgently to remove barriers to local ownership and participation in renewable energy projects. It recommends prioritising community schemes for grid connections, expanding local ownership stakes in renewable developments, enabling direct local electricity sales, and strengthening support from Great British Energy. The report argues community energy could boost public backing for net zero, increase energy security, and help deliver the UK’s 8GW community energy target by 2030.

London Launches First-Ever Heat Plan as Climate Risks Intensify

London’s first heat resilience plan warns that around one million homes are at high risk of overheating, alongside hundreds of schools, hospitals and care homes. Heat Ready London calls for action to protect vulnerable residents through building retrofits, expanded cooling spaces, increased urban greening, improved access to drinking water, and more resilient infrastructure. The plan aims to help the capital adapt to more frequent and severe heatwaves as temperatures continue to rise.

Clean Air Policies Credited With Saving Nearly 14,000 Lives

Research highlighted by UK100 suggests local clean air measures have prevented almost 14,000 premature deaths across the UK. The findings strengthen the case for local leadership on air quality, public health and transport policy, providing evidence for continued investment in emission reduction measures by councils and combined authorities.

Parliament Briefing Warns 1.5°C Warming Is Near-Term Reality

A Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology briefing suggests sustained global warming of 1.5°C is likely to be reached in the late 2020s or early 2030s. It argues policymakers should treat this as a near-term planning scenario, strengthening climate adaptation, infrastructure resilience and risk management.

Met Office Says Extreme Weather Is Becoming the UK Norm

The Met Office warns that extreme heat, heavy rainfall and other climate-related events are increasingly becoming normal features of the UK climate. The findings underline the importance of adaptation planning, resilient infrastructure and long-term risk management across local and regional government.

WMCA Economic Dashboard

The latest dashboard prepared by the EIU shows the number of 16-17-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in the WMCA area fell back to 5.5% in the WMCA area in 2026 (2025: 6.6%; England: 5.8%). This is a decrease of 1.1 percentage points in the WMCA area, while for England there was an increase of 0.2pp since 2025. Business sentiment is low, with the business activity index remaining below 50 in June. Find these figures and more in the annex.

STI Diagnosis Rates Fall Across WMCA Area 

Data available on the WISE Data Profiler shows a long-run decline in sexually transmitted infection diagnosis over 2012-2025, with Walsall seeing a drop of over 50%.

At the same time, testing rates across England have risen by 55%, suggesting the rise in testing has driven down prevalence of STIs.