IPPR North
@ipprnorth.bsky.social
We're the leading think-tank based in the North丨Developing bold, progressive ideas to empower England’s regions丨21 years of independent research & influence
Reposted by IPPR North
The North East is a very transient place, we're always hopping over bridges and boundaries. Very welcome transport news to ensure better connectivity for everyone around the region - which is crucial for regional growth
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@heidialexander.bsky.social and Kim McGuiness
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@heidialexander.bsky.social and Kim McGuiness
Leamside Line agreement between Gateshead and County Durham signed
The Leamside Line's reopening is set to progress as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail initiative.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 9:19 AM
The North East is a very transient place, we're always hopping over bridges and boundaries. Very welcome transport news to ensure better connectivity for everyone around the region - which is crucial for regional growth
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@heidialexander.bsky.social and Kim McGuiness
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@heidialexander.bsky.social and Kim McGuiness
📊ONS employment figures for the North East released today paint a stark image of the region - but they don't tell the whole story.
@indiafhg.bsky.social, Newcastle-based researcher at IPPR North explains why👇👇
@indiafhg.bsky.social, Newcastle-based researcher at IPPR North explains why👇👇
January 20, 2026 at 4:02 PM
📊ONS employment figures for the North East released today paint a stark image of the region - but they don't tell the whole story.
@indiafhg.bsky.social, Newcastle-based researcher at IPPR North explains why👇👇
@indiafhg.bsky.social, Newcastle-based researcher at IPPR North explains why👇👇
Great to see IPPR North research on disparities in transport spending on the North, London, and the rest of the country showcased on @itvpeston.bsky.social last night.
The difference in spending truly is stark.
Read the full report here: lnkd.in/etg4w27f
The difference in spending truly is stark.
Read the full report here: lnkd.in/etg4w27f
January 15, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Great to see IPPR North research on disparities in transport spending on the North, London, and the rest of the country showcased on @itvpeston.bsky.social last night.
The difference in spending truly is stark.
Read the full report here: lnkd.in/etg4w27f
The difference in spending truly is stark.
Read the full report here: lnkd.in/etg4w27f
“Even if the productivity growth [of the North] was brought up to the average of the UK, an extra £40billion would be brought into the UK each year… this will more than pay for itself”
🎙️ @zoebillingham.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk this morning, talking all things Northern Powerhouse Rail
🎙️ @zoebillingham.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk this morning, talking all things Northern Powerhouse Rail
January 14, 2026 at 3:18 PM
“Even if the productivity growth [of the North] was brought up to the average of the UK, an extra £40billion would be brought into the UK each year… this will more than pay for itself”
🎙️ @zoebillingham.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk this morning, talking all things Northern Powerhouse Rail
🎙️ @zoebillingham.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk this morning, talking all things Northern Powerhouse Rail
🚄A big day for Northern Powerhouse Rail and for the North as the government sets out its commitment to delivering a major infrastructure boost to the region.
Director of IPPR North @zoebillingham.bsky.social reacts👇👇
Director of IPPR North @zoebillingham.bsky.social reacts👇👇
January 14, 2026 at 9:39 AM
🚄A big day for Northern Powerhouse Rail and for the North as the government sets out its commitment to delivering a major infrastructure boost to the region.
Director of IPPR North @zoebillingham.bsky.social reacts👇👇
Director of IPPR North @zoebillingham.bsky.social reacts👇👇
🏆🗺️The North is home to 3/10 of the "best of the best" places to visit in the UK, say Tripadvisor.
Now mayoral combined authorities have the power to implement visitor levies, local people can finally benefit directly from this rise in tourism
Next year, all 10!
tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersCho...
Now mayoral combined authorities have the power to implement visitor levies, local people can finally benefit directly from this rise in tourism
Next year, all 10!
tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersCho...
tripadvisor.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 12:31 PM
🏆🗺️The North is home to 3/10 of the "best of the best" places to visit in the UK, say Tripadvisor.
Now mayoral combined authorities have the power to implement visitor levies, local people can finally benefit directly from this rise in tourism
Next year, all 10!
tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersCho...
Now mayoral combined authorities have the power to implement visitor levies, local people can finally benefit directly from this rise in tourism
Next year, all 10!
tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersCho...
"Unless [Reform] wanted to strip services away from some of the most vulnerable people in the country – and low and modest earners too – this was always the reality."
@zoebillingham.bsky.social on Reform councils raising taxes against pledges, for @bigissue.com👇
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
@zoebillingham.bsky.social on Reform councils raising taxes against pledges, for @bigissue.com👇
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
Reform UK 'collides with reality' over council tax rises
Reform UK will increase council tax in several councils it controls – despite previously pledging to “cut waste and reduce your taxes”.
www.bigissue.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:41 AM
"Unless [Reform] wanted to strip services away from some of the most vulnerable people in the country – and low and modest earners too – this was always the reality."
@zoebillingham.bsky.social on Reform councils raising taxes against pledges, for @bigissue.com👇
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
@zoebillingham.bsky.social on Reform councils raising taxes against pledges, for @bigissue.com👇
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
Of course, the North of England is host to one of the 'wonders of the world', no surprise here!
All the more reason to boost investment in transport across the North so that locals can benefit from the beauty of the region.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
All the more reason to boost investment in transport across the North so that locals can benefit from the beauty of the region.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Bradford nature reserve named 2026 'wonder of world' by magazine
The Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve makes the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller's list.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Of course, the North of England is host to one of the 'wonders of the world', no surprise here!
All the more reason to boost investment in transport across the North so that locals can benefit from the beauty of the region.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
All the more reason to boost investment in transport across the North so that locals can benefit from the beauty of the region.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
⏳Just two more days to apply to one of the most exciting job openings of 2026! (so far, anyway...)
And do get in touch if you have any questions.
And do get in touch if you have any questions.
📢 JOB ALERT! 📢
If you're a creative, analytical leader and thinker we want YOU.
IPPR North are looking for an Associate Director (fixed term) with BIG IDEAS for the future of our regions.
Office based in Manchester
Closing date: 7th Jan
www.ippr.org/jobs/associa...
If you're a creative, analytical leader and thinker we want YOU.
IPPR North are looking for an Associate Director (fixed term) with BIG IDEAS for the future of our regions.
Office based in Manchester
Closing date: 7th Jan
www.ippr.org/jobs/associa...
Associate Director, IPPR North | IPPR
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society.
www.ippr.org
January 5, 2026 at 8:46 AM
⏳Just two more days to apply to one of the most exciting job openings of 2026! (so far, anyway...)
And do get in touch if you have any questions.
And do get in touch if you have any questions.
📢 JOB ALERT! 📢
If you're a creative, analytical leader and thinker we want YOU.
IPPR North are looking for an Associate Director (fixed term) with BIG IDEAS for the future of our regions.
Office based in Manchester
Closing date: 7th Jan
www.ippr.org/jobs/associa...
If you're a creative, analytical leader and thinker we want YOU.
IPPR North are looking for an Associate Director (fixed term) with BIG IDEAS for the future of our regions.
Office based in Manchester
Closing date: 7th Jan
www.ippr.org/jobs/associa...
Associate Director, IPPR North | IPPR
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society.
www.ippr.org
December 19, 2025 at 5:10 PM
📢 JOB ALERT! 📢
If you're a creative, analytical leader and thinker we want YOU.
IPPR North are looking for an Associate Director (fixed term) with BIG IDEAS for the future of our regions.
Office based in Manchester
Closing date: 7th Jan
www.ippr.org/jobs/associa...
If you're a creative, analytical leader and thinker we want YOU.
IPPR North are looking for an Associate Director (fixed term) with BIG IDEAS for the future of our regions.
Office based in Manchester
Closing date: 7th Jan
www.ippr.org/jobs/associa...
Did you know that Leeds is the largest city in western Europe without a mass transit system?
The Leeds tram is a great example of intra-regional transport that's critical for connecting communities in the North.
But our communities cannot wait any longer...
👇👇
www.reuters.com/world/uk/tra...
The Leeds tram is a great example of intra-regional transport that's critical for connecting communities in the North.
But our communities cannot wait any longer...
👇👇
www.reuters.com/world/uk/tra...
Tram network for England's Leeds delayed until late 2030s
Plans for a long-promised tram network in the northern English city of Leeds have been pushed back to the late 2030s, a government review published on Thursday showed, underscoring Britain's chronic d...
www.reuters.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Did you know that Leeds is the largest city in western Europe without a mass transit system?
The Leeds tram is a great example of intra-regional transport that's critical for connecting communities in the North.
But our communities cannot wait any longer...
👇👇
www.reuters.com/world/uk/tra...
The Leeds tram is a great example of intra-regional transport that's critical for connecting communities in the North.
But our communities cannot wait any longer...
👇👇
www.reuters.com/world/uk/tra...
📰The Social Mobility Commission’s state of the nation report is out. At IPPR North we're not surprised at its findings.
The government must address these disadvantages so the next generations can break out of the doom-loop of regional inequality.
👇👇
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
The government must address these disadvantages so the next generations can break out of the doom-loop of regional inequality.
👇👇
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
UK’s industrial regions face ‘entrenched disadvantages’ going back decades
Social mobility report highlights ‘extreme regional differences’ in terms of childhood, jobs, innovation and growth
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM
📰The Social Mobility Commission’s state of the nation report is out. At IPPR North we're not surprised at its findings.
The government must address these disadvantages so the next generations can break out of the doom-loop of regional inequality.
👇👇
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
The government must address these disadvantages so the next generations can break out of the doom-loop of regional inequality.
👇👇
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by IPPR North
New year, new start? Great new job @ipprnorth.bsky.social will be posted this week👀
December 17, 2025 at 5:52 PM
New year, new start? Great new job @ipprnorth.bsky.social will be posted this week👀
✅ FACT: Scrapping the two child limit on benefits lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.
IPPR North’s @zoebillingham.bsky.social appeared on BBC Politics North West and debunked a common misconception about who the two child benefit limit impacted the most
👇👇👇
IPPR North’s @zoebillingham.bsky.social appeared on BBC Politics North West and debunked a common misconception about who the two child benefit limit impacted the most
👇👇👇
December 4, 2025 at 4:30 PM
✅ FACT: Scrapping the two child limit on benefits lifts hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.
IPPR North’s @zoebillingham.bsky.social appeared on BBC Politics North West and debunked a common misconception about who the two child benefit limit impacted the most
👇👇👇
IPPR North’s @zoebillingham.bsky.social appeared on BBC Politics North West and debunked a common misconception about who the two child benefit limit impacted the most
👇👇👇
📈 This morning, our Director @zoebillingham.bsky.social presented to The Great North Board on securing pan northern investment.
⚽And the brand new Everton stadium was a brilliant location for the board meeting!
Pictured below...
⚽And the brand new Everton stadium was a brilliant location for the board meeting!
Pictured below...
December 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
📈 This morning, our Director @zoebillingham.bsky.social presented to The Great North Board on securing pan northern investment.
⚽And the brand new Everton stadium was a brilliant location for the board meeting!
Pictured below...
⚽And the brand new Everton stadium was a brilliant location for the board meeting!
Pictured below...
🤔 How do YOU feel about the visitor levy announced in last week’s #budget?
🎥 This weekend @zoebillingham.bsky.social sat on the red sofa for BBC Politics North West to explain why IPPR have been supporting this measure.
💪 A levy that local leaders can use for local priorities!
🎥 This weekend @zoebillingham.bsky.social sat on the red sofa for BBC Politics North West to explain why IPPR have been supporting this measure.
💪 A levy that local leaders can use for local priorities!
December 1, 2025 at 10:18 AM
🤔 How do YOU feel about the visitor levy announced in last week’s #budget?
🎥 This weekend @zoebillingham.bsky.social sat on the red sofa for BBC Politics North West to explain why IPPR have been supporting this measure.
💪 A levy that local leaders can use for local priorities!
🎥 This weekend @zoebillingham.bsky.social sat on the red sofa for BBC Politics North West to explain why IPPR have been supporting this measure.
💪 A levy that local leaders can use for local priorities!
🎉Now the Chancellor has confirmed England's mayors can impose a visitor levy on overnight stays.
💪Local leaders can use this income to invest in local causes.
We caught up with Mayor of Greater Manchester
@andyburnham.bsky.social last week, who thanked us for our support as we awaited the news!
💪Local leaders can use this income to invest in local causes.
We caught up with Mayor of Greater Manchester
@andyburnham.bsky.social last week, who thanked us for our support as we awaited the news!
November 26, 2025 at 3:25 PM
🎉Now the Chancellor has confirmed England's mayors can impose a visitor levy on overnight stays.
💪Local leaders can use this income to invest in local causes.
We caught up with Mayor of Greater Manchester
@andyburnham.bsky.social last week, who thanked us for our support as we awaited the news!
💪Local leaders can use this income to invest in local causes.
We caught up with Mayor of Greater Manchester
@andyburnham.bsky.social last week, who thanked us for our support as we awaited the news!
📣The government has finally signalled who it stands for, protecting working people from the cost of living.
At IPPR North we're reacting to today's Budget announcement.
@zoebillingham.bsky.social 👇👇
At IPPR North we're reacting to today's Budget announcement.
@zoebillingham.bsky.social 👇👇
November 26, 2025 at 2:31 PM
📣The government has finally signalled who it stands for, protecting working people from the cost of living.
At IPPR North we're reacting to today's Budget announcement.
@zoebillingham.bsky.social 👇👇
At IPPR North we're reacting to today's Budget announcement.
@zoebillingham.bsky.social 👇👇
🔔It’s Budget Day!🔔
This Budget will show who the government is working for.
We’ll be looking out to see if it passes our three tests:
⚖️ Is it fair, asking more of those with the broadest shoulders?
💷 Does it reduce the cost of living?
📈 Is it pro-growth?
This Budget will show who the government is working for.
We’ll be looking out to see if it passes our three tests:
⚖️ Is it fair, asking more of those with the broadest shoulders?
💷 Does it reduce the cost of living?
📈 Is it pro-growth?
November 26, 2025 at 11:26 AM
🔔It’s Budget Day!🔔
This Budget will show who the government is working for.
We’ll be looking out to see if it passes our three tests:
⚖️ Is it fair, asking more of those with the broadest shoulders?
💷 Does it reduce the cost of living?
📈 Is it pro-growth?
This Budget will show who the government is working for.
We’ll be looking out to see if it passes our three tests:
⚖️ Is it fair, asking more of those with the broadest shoulders?
💷 Does it reduce the cost of living?
📈 Is it pro-growth?
🏆England's Mayors will be given powers to impose an visitor levy on overnight stays, allowing local leaders to invest in local causes.
📈This is a MAJOR step forward for fiscal devolution, and a real win for IPPR North!
@zoebillingham.bsky.social gives her reaction👇👇
📈This is a MAJOR step forward for fiscal devolution, and a real win for IPPR North!
@zoebillingham.bsky.social gives her reaction👇👇
November 25, 2025 at 4:23 PM
🏆England's Mayors will be given powers to impose an visitor levy on overnight stays, allowing local leaders to invest in local causes.
📈This is a MAJOR step forward for fiscal devolution, and a real win for IPPR North!
@zoebillingham.bsky.social gives her reaction👇👇
📈This is a MAJOR step forward for fiscal devolution, and a real win for IPPR North!
@zoebillingham.bsky.social gives her reaction👇👇
Reposted by IPPR North
Devolution is essential for empowering our communities, councillors & mayors - but also our MPs. Read why in my opinion piece for @labourlist.bsky.social✍️
Do you agree?
labourlist.org/2025/11/no-m...
Do you agree?
labourlist.org/2025/11/no-m...
'Time for MPs to stop being ‘Super Councillors’ and start being legislators again' - LabourList
MPs Are Overstretched as ‘Super Councillors’—Devolution will restore their primary role as legislators says IPPR North's Zoe Billingham.
labourlist.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Devolution is essential for empowering our communities, councillors & mayors - but also our MPs. Read why in my opinion piece for @labourlist.bsky.social✍️
Do you agree?
labourlist.org/2025/11/no-m...
Do you agree?
labourlist.org/2025/11/no-m...
“Mayors and councillors must be empowered and sufficiently financially supported so that MPs can regain the role of UK legislators.
Thoughts? 🤔💭
IPPR North’s @zoebillingham.bsky.social for Labour List 👇
labourlist.org/2025/11/no-m...
Thoughts? 🤔💭
IPPR North’s @zoebillingham.bsky.social for Labour List 👇
labourlist.org/2025/11/no-m...
'Time for MPs to stop being ‘Super Councillors’ and start being legislators again' - LabourList
MPs Are Overstretched as ‘Super Councillors’—Devolution will restore their primary role as legislators says IPPR North's Zoe Billingham.
labourlist.org
November 21, 2025 at 5:08 PM
“Mayors and councillors must be empowered and sufficiently financially supported so that MPs can regain the role of UK legislators.
Thoughts? 🤔💭
IPPR North’s @zoebillingham.bsky.social for Labour List 👇
labourlist.org/2025/11/no-m...
Thoughts? 🤔💭
IPPR North’s @zoebillingham.bsky.social for Labour List 👇
labourlist.org/2025/11/no-m...
The government has announced a 'default yes' for home developments near train stations.
IPPR North's @indiafhg.bsky.social reacts 👇
IPPR North's @indiafhg.bsky.social reacts 👇
November 18, 2025 at 10:33 AM
The government has announced a 'default yes' for home developments near train stations.
IPPR North's @indiafhg.bsky.social reacts 👇
IPPR North's @indiafhg.bsky.social reacts 👇
Should UK Mayors learn from @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social? @zoebillingham.bsky.social says Yes! Read our director's commentary here:
Should UK mayors learn from @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social? Like Mamdani they should be not be afraid to be "caught trying" to reduce the cost of living. Read my latest column for the The Municipal Journal✍️
www.themj.co.uk/uk-mayors-le...
www.themj.co.uk/uk-mayors-le...
Should UK mayors learn from Mamdani?
In just under a month, New York City will vote for its next mayor.
Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani is currently maintaining a double-digit lead in the polls,...
www.themj.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Should UK Mayors learn from @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social? @zoebillingham.bsky.social says Yes! Read our director's commentary here:
We're hiring!💥
IPPR North are looking for a senior researcher who has big ideas for the future of our regions. Join us at this pivotal time for our economy and democracy.
Based in Manchester, apply by 31st October.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
IPPR North are looking for a senior researcher who has big ideas for the future of our regions. Join us at this pivotal time for our economy and democracy.
Based in Manchester, apply by 31st October.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
Senior Research Fellow, IPPR North | IPPR
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society.
www.ippr.org
October 15, 2025 at 11:11 AM
We're hiring!💥
IPPR North are looking for a senior researcher who has big ideas for the future of our regions. Join us at this pivotal time for our economy and democracy.
Based in Manchester, apply by 31st October.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
IPPR North are looking for a senior researcher who has big ideas for the future of our regions. Join us at this pivotal time for our economy and democracy.
Based in Manchester, apply by 31st October.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...