UK city regions: policies, performance and prospects

Abstract

This paper answers a series of questions about the performance, policies and prospects of UK cities in a comparative context, based upon a range of studies the author has undertaken during the past three decades. It charts the renaissance of city regions as the drivers of national economies. It explores the aims and purposes of city region policy, identifies the drivers of city regional success and reviews the evidence about the performance of capital and second-tier cities across Europe and some messages for the UK. The paper reflects upon the specific experience of Liverpool city region as an exemplar of urban decline and renaissance. Finally, it identifies some wider policy messages for UK government in the light of its focus upon devolution, city regions, elected city regional Mayors and the Northern Powerhouse.