Centre for Cities

In this episode of City Talks, Andrew looks at the economic theory underpinning the Government's 'Northern Powerhouse' initiative, and what the policy implications have been so far. The conversation touches on the debate between economists and geographers on the 'agglomeration' effects of cities, and why the Chancellor and the Treasury have taken on these ideas. The discussion also looks at some of the questions that remain about the Northern Powerhouse, including its geographical focus, the amount of additional investment in the North, and how far local leaders and citizens have embraced the concept. Joining Andrew are Bridget Rosewell, senior adviser at Volterra Partners and former Chief Economic Adviser at the GLA, Mike Emmerich, Founding Director of Metro Dynamics and former CEO of New Economy in Manchester, and Dr Neil Lee, Assistant Professor in Economic Geography at the LSE.

In this month's episode, Andrew talks to the LSE's Tony Travers about his new book London's Boroughs at 50, and what the 1965 reorganisation of the capital's local government can tell us about the formation of new city-region bodies today. The conversation touches on how the boundaries of London were drawn up and negotiated, the characters different boroughs have developed, and the balance of power between local authorities and larger metropolitan units of government. Tony and Andrew also discuss the legacy of the New Urban Left's battle with the Thatcher government in the 1980s, and how the boroughs will fare in the future.