Building on case studies from across the country, Trading Places analyses the fundamental building blocks for new growth and regeneration to occur, focusing in particular on knowledge-based service companies. The report makes recommendations for both national and local government.

Further devolution within the health service could help to improve service delivery according to a new research paper published by NLGN. It argues that local authorities should be given a more significant role in and share more of their expertise with local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

NLGN have called for more directly elected mayors with powers over local police, transport and health services. Directly Elected, Direct Results argues that more elected mayors could represent a powerful indication from the Government that they are serious about devolving power in England.

Local councils should offer financial support to homeowners threatened by the credit crunch and adopt US style Mortgage Support Plans below market rate to stave off repossession, prop up the housing market to prevent remortgage difficulties, or support first time buyers to buy locally.