think tank

New approaches to long term challenges Why does central southern England need new focus? Central southern England stretches broadly from Dorset to West Sussex, and the Isle of Wight to Oxfordshire. The region has had little public policy focus despite facing challenges distinct from both the metropolis and other English regions. Our public spending per head is low though we face the triple costs of deprived urban areas, rurality and an ageing population. Average incomes are above the national average but this…

Southern Policy Centre launches with BBC coverage and ministerial backing The Southern Policy Centre was launched at a major regional conference today. Keynote speakers included the Rt Hon Greg Clark, Minister for Cities, and Lord Andrew Adonis the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. We were delighted to welcome speakers from the private, public and civic sectors including: Cllr David Burbage (Leader Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead), Professor Stuart Bartholomew CBE (Vice Chancellor of Arts University Bournemouth), Dawn Baxendale (CEO Southampton…