Coalfi elds and neighbouring cities Economic regeneration, labour markets and governance

This study assesses how far the regeneration of coalfi eld areas relies upon their links with neighbouring cities. Through case studies in England, Scotland and Wales and analysis of labour market trends in the British coalfi elds, the authors look at: n economic, social and governance links between the coalfi elds and their neighbouring cities; n whether the coalfi elds are thriving in their own right or are becoming more closely integrated with newly resurgent cities; n patterns of commuting and migration, job search, social networks and the level of collaboration between offi cial bodies in coalfi elds and neighbouring cities. They fi nd that a one-size-fi ts-all approach to reviving former coalfi eld communities on the back of city growth would be inappropriate – relationships between the coalfi elds and their neighbouring cities vary according to geographical and political context, and some former coalfi eld areas remain major economic zones in their own right. This publication can be provided in other formats, such as large print, Braille and audio. Please contact