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What now for cities and towns in 2021? I have been reflecting on how 2020 has impacted urban areas in the UK, and I suggest ten things for cities, towns and government to focus on in 2021 (Thread). https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tom-bridges-300b5223_what-now-for-cities-and-towns-in-2021-whilst-activity-6752322378501521408-ub-l
1. Tackling poverty should be a major priority. Poverty, already a huge issue in the UK pre-pandemic, has increased. And it is the poorest who have been hit hardest by the pandemic because of insecure jobs, work that cannot be done from home, underlying health issues.
2. Creating large numbers of good jobs, & helping people access them must be a top priority. We need a New Deal of FDR proportions (not a Meal Deal like Eat Out to Help Out). There should be a focus on retraining, tackling youth unemployment, and under/unemployment amongst women.
3. Responding to rapid changes in technology and patterns of consumption is a major challenge. Radical interventions will be needed to adapt the traditional high street or town centre, and to repurpose retail property assets. Use of new technology can open up new opportunities.
