Our engagement with government and policy makers

We actively engage in consultations and dialogue with government and policy makers. Below are some examples of our work. 

Everyday participation and Geographical inequalities in Britain

Professor A Miles presented UEP research findings relevant to the relationship of place and proximity to cities in Parliament on 22 January 2018. The presentation took place in partnership with LSE  and was part of a wider discussion in Parliament on the inequalities between small towns ad cities in Britain. The UEP presentation links also to Prof Miles work on the Challenging urban decline narratives: enhancing community resilience cross university project.

The social impact of participation in culture and sport inquiry

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee invited Professor A Miles to submit evidence on the social impact of participation in culture and sport, across the themes of social mobility, health, crime reduction, education, community engagement and diversity.The inquiry is investigating ways in which taking part in the arts, cultural activities and sport can have a positive impact on health, community and education. Read the evidence submitted.

Citizenship and Civic Engagement

The House of Lords has set up a Select Committee on Citizenship and Civic Engagement to look at the meaning of UK citizenship and civic engagement and consider barriers to involvement. Its call for evidence closed on 8 September 2017. Prof Andrew Miles, Dr Jill Ebrey and Ruth Webber submitted written evidence.

Our written evidence has been published on the Citizenship and Civic Engagement Committee website.  An online discussion  took place. The report from the Select Committee is in preparation.

Running free: consultation on preserving the free use of public parks

This investigation by the Department for Communities and Local Government considered feedback on the ability and appropriateness of local authorities charging for the use of public parks and it focused on parkrun and junior parkrun. Dr Abigail Gilmore and Prof Andrew Miles submitted written evidence.

The consultation was widely covered in the media:

Public parks inquiry

The Communities and Local Government Committee inquiry into public parks considered the impact of funding cuts to local authorities’ budgets. Dr Abigail Gilmore submitted written evidence.

The report has been published and the Government’s response is available.

Clive Betts MP Chair of the Committee, said:

“Whether it is kicking the ball about with friends, joining a parkrun, walking the dog or just relaxing with a paperback, people value their local parks. But with councils under enormous financial pressures and with no legal obligation to fund and maintain public parks, these precious community resources may be at risk.”

Countries of Culture inquiry

This Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry considered the work of the Arts Council England, the balance of arts funding and Britain’s cultural sector and ways to promote UK’s cultural wealth. Dr Abigail Gilmore and Dr Lisanne Gibson gave oral evidence. The inquiry is now closed and the final report is publicly available.

Damian Collins MP, Chair of the Committee, said:

“Strong local leadership, and innovation from regional arts and cultural organisations has produced some remarkable successes but more needs to be done to avoid further closures of small museums and galleries, as funding from local authority’s declines.”