EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - State of the English Cities

State of the English Cities

Introduction

England's cities have improved in recent years but still lag behind the top cities in continental Europe, according to the recently published 'State of the English cities'. This independent report to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) provides a comprehensive audit of urban performance in England and a review of the impact of government policies upon cities.

Description

State of the English Cities is the most comprehensive study ever undertaken of England's cities and towns. It focuses on 56 major towns and cities in England and covers five main themes:

demographics;
social cohesion;
economic competitiveness & performance;
liveability;
governance & the impact of policy.

Methodology

The study draws upon many sources:

extensive academic and consultancy literature;
case studies in twelve cities;
interviews with over 250 policy makers;
a review of international experience;
analysis of public attitudes to cities and a review of demographic trends.

Conclusions

The report provides a lot of evidence that many English cities have improved their economic and social performance, are becoming more liveable and have developed better Government arrangements in recent years. Despite these improvements, not all cities or groups and areas within them have had the same experience. Cities in the south and east are still more successful than cities in the north and west. Matching the performance of the most successful continental cities also remains a challenge for many. Sustaining the economic advances of the English cities will also require the national economic growth of recent years to be continued.

Contact info

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Publication date

07/03/2006

Article info
ISBN: 1 85112 845

Links

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister More information on the State of the English Cities

Summary of the State of the English cities (PDF, Eng, 580 KB)

State of the English cities, part 1 (PDF, Eng, 3.4 MB)

State of the English cities, part 2 (PDF, Eng, 1.7 MB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords