Ben Rogers is a writer and policy thinker, with a particular focus on cities, citizenship, social capital, public service reform, and the built environment.

Prior to joining the Centre for London Ben was an Associate Director of IPPR from 2003 – 2007 and has subsequently led strategy teams in Haringey Council, DCLG and The Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, where he was responsible for producing the cross government strategy World Class Places. 

Ben has written several acclaimed books on philosophy and history, published in the UK and the US, and is an experienced journalist and broadcaster.  He is a visiting fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Ben tweets from @ben_rog

Sep 6

An inquiry won't solve the Heathrow question

Ben Rogers argues that an inquiry on runway expansion cannot replicate a decision through the ballot box.

Jul 17

Focus on the five boroughs

Ben Rogers says the Census reveals the uniqueness of the five Olympic boroughs.

Jul 9

Ill feeling towards London is only going to get worse

Ben Rogers says London should make an effort to promote itself to the rest of the UK.

May 2

Ten proposals for the mayor

Ben Rogers outlines ten proposals for the mayor's next term. 

May 1

The case for youth courts

Ben Rogers argues that youth courts could increase young people's respect for the criminal justice system.

Apr 30

Review black cab and taxi services in London

Ben Rogers says that London's black cabs could do with a revamp.

Apr 27

Give the Mayor full power over London's police

Ben Rogers says that clear responsibility for the Met would improve London's policing.

Apr 25
Create a London Commissioner for Schools and Young People
Ben Rogers argues that the London Mayor should have greater powers over schools performance. 
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Apr 24

Give cyclists more freedoms on London's roads

Ben Rogers says let cyclists turn left at red lights, idea #5 in Centre for London's 10 proposals for the Mayor.

Apr 23

Tighten London's property tax loopholes for foreigners

Ben Rogers says London should have tighter tax loopholes for foreign nationals buying property, proposal #4 for the Mayor.

Apr 19

Pop-up Parishes for London

Ben Rogers proposes idea #2 in the Centre for London's 10 proposals for the Mayor.

Apr 18

Let London employers decide on transport

Ben Rogers proposes idea #1 in Centre for London's 10 proposals for the Mayor.

Apr 11

London and English city mayors

Ben Rogers on what the referendums for directly elected mayors in English cities means for London.

Mar 19

Greater London authority?

Ben Rogers argues that devolution for London should be higher on the mayoral candidates' agendas.

Nov 22

London: World City, then and now

Ben Rogers argues that there is much to celebrate 20 years after London: World City was published.

Oct 27

An Urban Legacy

Ben Rogers takes stock of changes to England's built environment.

Oct 3

Consensus after the riots?

Ben Rogers previews the Singh report, out next month.

Sep 16

Is English Heritage hurting London?

Centre for London's Ben Rogers tackles the debate around listed buildings in the City of London.

Sep 12

What should the New Met Commissioner Do?

Why fairness is more important than toughness in securing people's compliance with the law.

Sep 5

In London, it's jobs, stupid

Ben Rogers on the London riots and the need to tackle unemployment, not fecklessness, amongst London's young people.

Apr 19

On The Road

Ben Rogers says re-designing the streets and taxing large cars would help reduce accidents.

Feb 10

Have London boroughs had their day?

Ben Rogers asks what the Localism Bill will mean for London.