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
💪 A strong North stands together.
📰In our paper released today, IPPR North says The Great North partnership and government should act collaboratively to establish the north as a great place to invest and ultimately help raise living standards.
👇👇
www.ippr.org/articles/rol...
📰In our paper released today, IPPR North says The Great North partnership and government should act collaboratively to establish the north as a great place to invest and ultimately help raise living standards.
👇👇
www.ippr.org/articles/rol...
The role of The Great North in delivering pan-northern investment | IPPR
The UK’s economic success relies on northern growth. The Great North represents an economy of 16 million people and an economy larger than many European co
www.ippr.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:41 AM
💪 A strong North stands together.
📰In our paper released today, IPPR North says The Great North partnership and government should act collaboratively to establish the north as a great place to invest and ultimately help raise living standards.
👇👇
www.ippr.org/articles/rol...
📰In our paper released today, IPPR North says The Great North partnership and government should act collaboratively to establish the north as a great place to invest and ultimately help raise living standards.
👇👇
www.ippr.org/articles/rol...
Reposted by IPPR North
Reform’s plans to push half a million children into poverty to fund a suite of hospitality tax cuts are indefensible.
✒️ @henryippr.bsky.social spoke to the @bigissue.com 👇
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
✒️ @henryippr.bsky.social spoke to the @bigissue.com 👇
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
Nigel Farage wants to cut price of beer by reinstating two-child benefit cap
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to reinstate the two-child limit on benefits to pay for a 5p cut off pints of beer to boost pubs.
www.bigissue.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Reform’s plans to push half a million children into poverty to fund a suite of hospitality tax cuts are indefensible.
✒️ @henryippr.bsky.social spoke to the @bigissue.com 👇
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
✒️ @henryippr.bsky.social spoke to the @bigissue.com 👇
www.bigissue.com/news/politic...
🔥IPPR North's @zoebillingham.bsky.social on the perceived 'brain drain' from the North to the South:
"There is no need for London as the capital city to be the capital of everything and we’d all be better off for it."
www.gbnews.com/news/brain-d...
"There is no need for London as the capital city to be the capital of everything and we’d all be better off for it."
www.gbnews.com/news/brain-d...
The northern cities fighting back against Britain's 'brain drain' as thousands flee to south
GB News investigates why areas of the North struggle to stop top talent from flocking to London
www.gbnews.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:07 PM
🔥IPPR North's @zoebillingham.bsky.social on the perceived 'brain drain' from the North to the South:
"There is no need for London as the capital city to be the capital of everything and we’d all be better off for it."
www.gbnews.com/news/brain-d...
"There is no need for London as the capital city to be the capital of everything and we’d all be better off for it."
www.gbnews.com/news/brain-d...
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...
You don't need to tell anyone in West Yorkshire what the business case is for building the tram. In the government's own words, it's time to build, build, build.
December 19, 2025 at 12:26 PM
You don't need to tell anyone in West Yorkshire what the business case is for building the tram. In the government's own words, it's time to build, build, build.
At IPPR North we say that whilst it is promising that government has committed funding, it must also show that its approach to assessing projects outside the South East keeps pace with our ambition.
December 19, 2025 at 12:26 PM
At IPPR North we say that whilst it is promising that government has committed funding, it must also show that its approach to assessing projects outside the South East keeps pace with our ambition.
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
👇👇👇
Zoë is pictured with The Great North chair, Mayor of North East @kimmcguinness.bsky.social Mayor of LCR @lcrmayor.bsky.social, Brendan Foster, Mayor of South Yorks Oliver Coppard, Mayor of York & North Yorks
@davidskaith.bsky.social, Cllr Hans Mundry, & government northern growth envoy Tom Riordan
@davidskaith.bsky.social, Cllr Hans Mundry, & government northern growth envoy Tom Riordan
December 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Zoë is pictured with The Great North chair, Mayor of North East @kimmcguinness.bsky.social Mayor of LCR @lcrmayor.bsky.social, Brendan Foster, Mayor of South Yorks Oliver Coppard, Mayor of York & North Yorks
@davidskaith.bsky.social, Cllr Hans Mundry, & government northern growth envoy Tom Riordan
@davidskaith.bsky.social, Cllr Hans Mundry, & government northern growth envoy Tom Riordan
Here are our three main takeaways:
1️⃣ UK economic success relies on northern growth
2️⃣ The Great North can develop a pipeline of investable projects
3️⃣ Pan northern collaboration helps makes more projects viable
1️⃣ UK economic success relies on northern growth
2️⃣ The Great North can develop a pipeline of investable projects
3️⃣ Pan northern collaboration helps makes more projects viable
December 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Here are our three main takeaways:
1️⃣ UK economic success relies on northern growth
2️⃣ The Great North can develop a pipeline of investable projects
3️⃣ Pan northern collaboration helps makes more projects viable
1️⃣ UK economic success relies on northern growth
2️⃣ The Great North can develop a pipeline of investable projects
3️⃣ Pan northern collaboration helps makes more projects viable
📈 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, Mayors can impose European style levies to boost the visitor economy and invest in our high streets.
Thanks to everyone we have worked with in supporting this important step towards fiscal devolution!
Thanks to everyone we have worked with in supporting this important step towards fiscal devolution!
November 26, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Now, Mayors can impose European style levies to boost the visitor economy and invest in our high streets.
Thanks to everyone we have worked with in supporting this important step towards fiscal devolution!
Thanks to everyone we have worked with in supporting this important step towards fiscal devolution!
We've been supporting the Mayors:
@andyburnham.bsky.social ,
Liverpool City Region's @lcrmayor.bsky.social,
@london.gov.uk
West Yorkshire's @tracybrabinmayorwy.bsky.social
South Yorkshire's Oliver Coppard
North East's @kimmcguinness.bsky.social
and WM's @richardparkerwm.bsky.social
@andyburnham.bsky.social ,
Liverpool City Region's @lcrmayor.bsky.social,
@london.gov.uk
West Yorkshire's @tracybrabinmayorwy.bsky.social
South Yorkshire's Oliver Coppard
North East's @kimmcguinness.bsky.social
and WM's @richardparkerwm.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 3:25 PM
We've been supporting the Mayors:
@andyburnham.bsky.social ,
Liverpool City Region's @lcrmayor.bsky.social,
@london.gov.uk
West Yorkshire's @tracybrabinmayorwy.bsky.social
South Yorkshire's Oliver Coppard
North East's @kimmcguinness.bsky.social
and WM's @richardparkerwm.bsky.social
@andyburnham.bsky.social ,
Liverpool City Region's @lcrmayor.bsky.social,
@london.gov.uk
West Yorkshire's @tracybrabinmayorwy.bsky.social
South Yorkshire's Oliver Coppard
North East's @kimmcguinness.bsky.social
and WM's @richardparkerwm.bsky.social