'Total Neighbourhood'

The importance of the neighbourhood looks set to increase in public policy. In response, ippr north is convening a learning network to explore the idea of ‘Total Neighbourhood’. The network will explore how a Total Place approach at neighbourhood level could reform public services from the bottom up and engage communities in the process.

New report highlights the need for a new co-operative framework for the Big Society to succeed

Rolling back the state and expecting communities to leap into the driving seat will not succeed without a new cooperative framework of rights and responsibilities, says a new paper from ippr north, published by Co-operatives UK during Co-operatives Fortnight.

ippr north research reveals gaps between rhetoric and reality of Big Society plans

The government’s Big Society plans envisage a key role for social enterprises in delivering public services and supporting community action. But a new report by ippr north reveals an inconvenient truth for the new coalition and warns that without support, community and social enterprise will not be able to rise to the challenge of the Big Society.

ippr north bring first Cafe Politique to Manchester

The first Cafe Politique to be held in Manchester was deemed a great success by those who attended and by our speaker Ed Mayo who discussed how co-operative models of business are enjoying something of a renaissance. We plan to hold more of these events and would welcome any suggestions for speakers or themes of particular interest. Please email north@ippr.org with your ideas.

Ed Cox on the Big Society

Big Society is one of the most talked-about, blogged-about and tweeted-about terms of the new government, but, asks Ed Cox, is it really a ‘big idea’ or is it nothing more than the hot air once pumped from Battersea Power Station where it was first launched?

How realistic is it?

ippr north's Evelyn Tehrani on why the Government's social housing swap scheme and ‘right-to-move’ policies will leave poor Northern communities behind.