Our cities are often places of huge disparity, where social, economic and health outcomes are determined by factors such as where you live, your background, and your ability to access opportunities. This report shows disparity remains visible across UK cities, from those living in inner-city areas impacted by low air quality, to those who cannot afford to travel to employment hubs and are therefore unable to access high quality, well paid jobs.
With our Good Growth for Cities Index, we are able to present a clear picture of what matters to the public now - and look at how central and local government, the private sector and wider local public services can work together to deliver inclusive growth. The Index covers broad measures of economic wellbeing, including jobs, income, health, skills, work-life balance, housing, transport and the environment.
The Index shows public priorities are turning firmly towards immediate needs, as soaring inflation wears away the value of people's pay packets amid a fragile economic outlook. Income, jobs and the fair distribution of wealth are now key concerns.
From our conversations with local leaders, at the frontline of current challenges, it is obvious they are in the thick of making many difficult decisions, and are braced for more. But they still have the desire - and the opportunity - to level up the UK and unlock the potential of our cities.