Salford Quays
Sir Tim Besley, School Professor of Economics and Political Science and W Arthur Lewis Professor of Development Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), has been appointed to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Advisory Council.
The Council, announced in the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, contains leaders of academia, industry and civil society, who will support Ministers by advising on the design, delivery and impact of levelling up policy. It is one of five “mutually reinforcing pillars” identified in the White Paper as being key to ensuring the government delivers on its levelling up agenda.
Professor Susana Mourato, Pro-Director of Research at LSE, said: “Regional inequality in the UK is not a new problem but it is a hugely significant one, leading to typically lower education, health and economic outcomes for those living in more deprived areas. If these inequalities are to be addressed, It is vital that the right policies are put in place now, and I am delighted that Professor Sir Tim Besley will be advising government on this issue.”
Professor Sir Tim Besley said: “There are significant and entrenched inequalities between and within regions of the UK that need urgently to be addressed. If we are to create sustainable change, policymakers will need to consider many factors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, skills and housing. I am pleased to be contributing to the government’s work to address these key issues and look forward to the work ahead.”
Tim Besley is School Professor of Economics and Political Science and W. Arthur Lewis Professor of Development Economics at LSE. He is a member of the National Infrastructure Commission and is President of the Royal Economic Society.