From l to r: Rich Dunning, Tom Arnold and David Jeffery
Three researchers from the University of Liverpool participated in the Joint Liverpool City Region (LCR) and Greater Manchester (GM) All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) at Westminster this week.
The session brought together MPs, industry leaders, stakeholders and experts to discuss housing, regeneration, and strategies for building better homes and communities across Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester.
The event was chaired by Patrick Hurley MP (LCR APPG) and Jo Platt MP (GM APPG).
Dr Tom Arnold, Research Associate at the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, introduced the event. He set the context for the sessions, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for housing and regeneration in light of the Government's ambitious target to build 1.5 million new homes.
Dr. Arnold said: "I was delighted to introduce this joint session of the LCR and GM APPGs, exploring the role devolution can play in supporting housing as the foundation for economic growth, regeneration, and stronger communities-which is key to supporting the Government's ambitions."
Expert Contributions from Liverpool researchers
Professor Rich Dunning, from the University's Department of Geography & Planning, presented during the first session, which examined the role of housing in economic growth, regeneration, and community building.
Professor Dunning said: "Both Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester have incredible geography, but we need the right homes in the right places. Strategic planning is essential for maximizing growth and opportunity. The event highlighted the importance of joined-up spatial planning-integrating transport, employment, and housing-so both city regions can develop sustainable communities around transport hubs."
Additionally, Professor Dunning has been appointed Specialist Advisor to the Housing, Communities, and Local Government Select Committee on Delivering 1.5 Million New Homes: Land Value Capture.
Dr David Jeffery, from the Department of Politics, contributed to the second session which explored the challenges of building 1.5 million homes and retrofitting existing properties.
He spoke about regeneration incentives, housebuilding, densification (especially estate densification), retrofitting in a Liverpool City Region context and how politicians can make these actions popular with the public.
The Heseltine Institute's Role in Policy Development
The Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place is an interdisciplinary public policy research institute that brings together academic expertise from across the University of Liverpool. It collaborates with policymakers and practitioners to support the development of sustainable and inclusive cities and city regions.
As the academic partner for the Liverpool City Region APPG, the Institute plays a key role in ensuring the city region has a strong voice in Westminster.
