Coalfields and neighbouring cities: economic regeneration, labour markets and governance

A study of how far the regeneration of coalfield areas relies on their links with neighbouring cities. Through case studies in England, Scotland and Wales and analysis of labour market trends in the British coalfields, the authors look at: economic, social and governance links between the coalfields and their neighbouring cities; whether the coalfields are thriving in their own right or are becoming more closely integrated with newly resurgent cities; patterns of commuting and migration, job search, social networks and the level of collaboration between official bodies in coalfields and neighbouring cities. They conclude that a one-size-fits-all approach to reviving former coalfield communities on the back of city growth would be inappropriate, as relationships between the coalfields and their neighbouring cities vary and some former coalfield areas remain major economic zones in their own right.