Midlands experts unite to focus efforts to address cost of living crisis

Leading social scientists have come together with policymakers, representatives of the third sector, and members of the public to discuss how the latest research taking place across the region can be best utilised alongside insights from a range of organisations and the experiences of people, to collectively support those who are experiencing financial pressures.

The Midlands is home to diverse communities, businesses, public services and civic institutions. It is also home to world-leading researchers whose expertise spans economics, public policy, health, housing, education, employment and social justice.

The event, coordinated by Midlands Innovation – a partnership of the leading universities across the East and West Midlands – was timed to coincide with the Chancellor’s Budget – a time when the Government makes decisions on where it focuses funding and the implications this has on services, people and business. It also coincided with a week-long national initiative focusing on the impact of social science research taking place across the UK. The 2026 ESRC Festival of Social Sciences shines a spotlight on how social science research helps people to understand and address real-world challenges, connecting academics, policymakers and communities to create positive change. The theme of this year is the cost of living.

Taking place at Aston University, the Midlands Innovation event ‘The Cost of Living in the Midlands – What works, what matters, what next?’ provided an opportunity to discuss research taking place across the region’s leading research-intensive universities, reflect on how rising costs affect people and places differently, and explore practical solutions for building inclusive economic resilience.

Discussions reinforced that health, housing, employment, justice, education and energy security are not separate issues, and participants agreed that addressing the cost of living and social inequalities requires joined-up thinking, evidence-informed policy, and collaboration between communities, researchers and decision-makers. The discussion reaffirmed the value of social sciences in translating both statistical evidence and lived experiences into insights that can inform policy, improve practice and drive positive social change.

The panel of experts drawn from across the Midlands considered the role of local, regional and national action in reducing financial pressures and supporting a more inclusive and resilient economy. As part of the event, the audience heard and discussed:

• The scale of the challenge.
• Poverty is multi-dimensional.
• The importance of prevention.
• The role of communities and universities.
• Everything is connected.

The Midlands was also identified as a valuable region for social research due to its diversity, providing insights that are relevant for other regions right across the UK.

Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Aston University, Professor Colin Grant, who addressed the audience at the event, said: “Social sciences help us understand what is happening, why it is happening, who is most affected, and what interventions can make a meaningful difference. At a time when public resources are under significant pressure and policy decisions are increasingly complex, evidence has never been more important. Here, social science insights have a critical contribution to make.”

Ellen McGhee, Head of Operations at Midlands Innovation, added: “The eight universities across the Midlands Innovation partnership undertake research and initiatives which support the public and third sectors and policymakers to deliver services for people across the region. Much of this work goes unseen or unrecognised. It is simply something that universities, who are deeply entrenched in their local areas, get on and do.

“Today was an opportunity to bring together experts in social sciences from across the region to highlight some of the latest research that is taking place looking into the cost of living. By bringing students and academics together with policymakers, representatives from organisations across the spectrum, and members of the public, they can collectively understand the realities of financial pressure on households, evaluate interventions already underway, and identify opportunities for future action.”

Our thanks go to the experts from across the Midlands Innovation Partnership who shared their insights, expertise and research at this event. They are:

• Professor Balazs Szent-Ivanyi, Professor of Politics and International Relations and Associate Dean Research and Enterprise, Aston University
• Dr Alexis Paton, Director of the Centre for Health and Society, Aston University
• Dr Annum Rafique, Research Fellow, City-REDI, University of Birmingham
• Professor Matt Padley, Professor and Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP), Loughborough University
• Dr Lee Gregory, Associate Professor in Social Policy, University of Nottingham
• Dr Tara Mulqueen, Associate Professor and Warwick LinC Co-Director, University of Warwick
• Professor Philip Taylor, Professor at the Institute for Employment Research (IER), University of Warwick