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The New Statesman’s annual Regional Development Conference is a day of fascinating insights and discussions centred around the most pressing questions for the future of regional development and local growth and prosperity. 

Putting more power in the hands of voters has become a popular political promise. Since the UK decided to turn its back on Brussels, parties are now finding the idea of shifting decision-making away from Westminster and into the electorate’s backyard ever more appealing. Since Burnham’s ascension to the premiership, devolution has been at the top of the political agenda, but how easy is it to implement, how does it actually work and how will it affect local communities? 

Will devolution genuinely transfer power away from Westminster, or simply decentralise responsibility without the resources to do so? As new strategic authorities are created, what should regional and local governance look like by 2029? How politically sustainable is the government’s model, and could it entrench place-based inequalities?

Join us on 26^th November 2026 in Birmingham to hear from experts, policymakers and industry leaders on what’s next for regional development — from the role of regional leaders in driving growth to how infrastructure, investment and skills can deliver effective change and prosperity for people across the country.