Regional Inequalities in the UK: a Research Showcase

Why would a typical worker moving from Dudley to Harrogate would earn £1,500 more? Why is there a 25-year difference between the youngest and oldest local authorities, and what does this mean for public services?

Why are the most productive places in the UK three times more productive than the least? What can be done to address these inequalities?

Such questions lie at the heart of efforts to rebalance the UK economy, yet meaningful progress has remained elusive.

This event, part of the Festival of Social Science, will showcase research on such regional inequalities. It will focus on outlining economic and demographic challenges and discussing policy implications for delivering inclusive growth and services across the country. The presentations will cover topics such as:

- the extent of ageing disparities in the UK and their implications for social care;

- the drivers of wage and productivity inequalities in the UK;

- the barriers to regional productivity;

- inclusive growth in the West Midlands and how policy can help.

Four dynamic presentations (15–20 minutes each) will highlight cutting-edge research, local initiatives, and policy ideas for driving inclusive growth. Speakers will include Professor Delma Dwight, Director at the Economic Intelligence Unit; Anna Humphreys, Strategic Lead for Inclusive Growth at the West Midlands Combined Authority; Charlie McCurdy, Economist at Resolution Foundation and Dr Tasos Kitsos, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Aston University.

Each talk will be followed by an interactive Q&A, offering a chance to engage directly with the speakers.

Host or Publisher Aston University, Department of Economics & International Business