Growth and Reform Network launches to support places across the UK

The Growth and Reform Network formally launched on September 25th, positioning itself as a new force for shaping inclusive growth and public service reform across the UK, in partnership with Metro Dynamics and The Future Governance Forum.

Its launch event brought together mayors, ministers, local leaders and policy experts to examine how devolved power, designed around local needs, can rebuild trust in politics and deliver services that truly improve life outcomes.

Guest speakers included Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East; Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England; and Josh Simons MP, Minister for Public Service Reform.

Representatives from the Network’s 27 member organisations attended, including Combined Authorities from the North East, Liverpool, the West and East Midlands, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and Cardiff Capital Region. Opening the discussion, Josh Simons called for rebuilding trust in politics “from the ground up” by transferring more powers to local communities and ensuring people have a real say in how their neighbourhoods develop. 

Devolution with Social Impact

In conversation with GRN Director, Annabel Smith, Mayor Kim McGuinness stressed the opportunity for “social devolution” to improve daily life and rebuild trust:

“If we lean into inclusive devolution, values-based delivery can break down barriers in public trust.”

She also highlighted the work of the North East Child Poverty Reduction Unit:

“We’re investing in services people can see and feel in their communities. A return to shared start services and youth provision is vital.”

Mayor Helen Godwin emphasised the need for devolution to be grounded in what families and communities need:

“What’s happening on the ground can be so innovative. True devolution lets places do what they need to do.”

She pointed to practical measures such as free bus travel for children during the summer—helping families on low incomes enjoy activities across the region—and new thinking on municipal childcare, including public sector nurseries linked to local training opportunities.

The Network’s Mission

The team outlined the Growth and Reform Network’s mission: to connect national, regional and local government so that Westminster can become a stronger partner for places, enabling evidence-led approaches to inclusive growth and service design. Building on its foundations as the Centre for Progressive Policy and its Inclusive Growth Network, the GRN will provide practical support for places to meet the challenges shaping their communities. It is developing the ideas, policy and delivery approaches alongside a membership that spans local and regional government across the four nations of the UK; those leaders and organisations that are setting the gold standard in delivering for, and with, local places.

As GRN Chair, Ben Lucas, highlights in the Network’s programme guide, devolution is “a source of powerful new energy in the British system of government” which will be at the heart of our work.  He highlights the priorities for the Network — welfare reform, economic inactivity, ill health, child poverty, and new models of prevention, regeneration and social housing.

Examples already in motion include Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Prevention Demonstrator, which will integrate place-based services to reduce reliance on acute care, and the North East Combined Authority’s Child Poverty Action Plan, providing direct support to children, families and schools. The Cabinet Office’s Test, Learn and Grow programme, now headed by Josh Simons MP, is encouraging neighbourhood-focused innovation and public service development such as this. Sheffield City Council’s successful approach built around Family Hubs, which can consider needs in the round and responding with multi-agency support, is another example of leadership across the GRN’s network.

The GRN is working with all levels of government, including those setting out on the devolution journey in their region, as all places seek to learn from successful delivery up and down the UK.

Looking Ahead

The launch concluded with a Q&A and networking reception, where local leaders discussed topics ranging from neighbourhood regeneration to funding complexities and winning Westminster’s support for change.

With its launch milestone reached, the Growth and Reform Network will continue to shape its programme around members’ needs. For membership or support, please contact info@growthandreform.org.