Editorial Policy

CityAffairs.co.uk provides data-driven, practical information about UK cities, local living and relocation. This Editorial Policy explains how we produce and maintain our content, how we choose and check sources, how we use automated tools, and how you can contact us about errors or conflicts of interest.

Editorial principles

Accuracy: We aim to give clear, verifiable information based on reputable sources.
Transparency: We explain our sources and methods and flag when content is opinion, interpretation or an estimate.
Neutrality: Our content is intended to be impartial and to serve readers seeking practical information about UK cities and local life.
Clarity: We write for general readers and avoid unnecessary jargon; where technical terms are used we explain them.

Research process

Our editorial team gathers, analyses and presents information using a consistent research process. Typical steps include:

Identifying the question or topic and the data needed to answer it.
Collecting primary sources (official statistics, government and local authority publications, transport providers, planning documents, public datasets) and reputable secondary sources (national and regional reporting, specialist research organisations).
Analysing and, where necessary, aggregating data to produce tables, comparisons and practical guidance.
Explaining key assumptions, calculation methods and limitations so readers can interpret results.
Linking to original sources so readers can verify the information.

See our Methodology and Our Data Sources pages for more on how we handle datasets and calculations: Methodology and Our Data Sources.

Source selection

We prioritise primary and high-quality sources. Examples of the types of sources we rely on:

Official statistics and government datasets (for example, Office for National Statistics outputs, local authority publications).
Transport operators, planning documents and statutory reports for local services and infrastructure.
Academic and policy research from recognised institutions when used to explain trends or methodology.
Established national and local news outlets for reporting on developments and context.

When sources conflict, we note the disagreement, explain why a particular source was used and, where possible, present both figures or perspectives so readers can judge for themselves.

Fact checking and verification

Numbers and factual claims are checked against original source documents or datasets whenever possible.
Key figures are cross-checked with at least one independent, reputable source when available.
Calculations and conversions (for example, per-capita rates or cost-of-living comparisons) include a clear explanation of methods and assumptions.
Where data are estimates or derived from modelling, we state the uncertainty and the basis of the estimate.

AI assistance

We use automated tools, including AI-assisted writing and summarisation, for tasks such as drafting text, summarising long documents, formatting and spotting inconsistencies. Any AI-generated draft is reviewed, edited and approved by a human editor before publication. We do not rely on AI as a substitute for source checking, data verification or editorial judgement.

Human editorial review

Content is produced and maintained under an editorial-team model. Roles typically include researchers who gather and prepare source material, editors who check accuracy and tone, and copy editors who ensure clarity and accessibility. All published content is approved by an editor before it goes live.

Content updates

We review content periodically and when significant new data or developments occur. Where possible, articles display a “last updated” date so readers can see when material was reviewed.
We prioritise updates for content that affects safety, legal status, transport links, public services or essential costs of living.
When substantial changes are made to an article, we aim to summarise what was changed and why in the article itself.

Corrections process

If you believe we have made an error, please contact us with the relevant article link, a description of the issue and any supporting sources. We will review the report and make any necessary corrections. When we make material corrections, we will update the article and, where appropriate, add a correction note describing the change.

Independence and advertising disclosure

CityAffairs.co.uk operates independently. Editorial decisions are made by the editorial team and are not dictated by advertisers, sponsors or commercial partners.

When content is funded, sponsored or contains affiliate links that may result in compensation to the site, we disclose that relationship clearly on the relevant page. Any sponsored or commissioned content will be clearly labelled so readers can distinguish it from independently produced editorial material.

Author and byline approach

Articles are typically published under the byline “CityAffairs.co.uk Editorial Team.” Where individual contributors provide reporting, analysis or specialised content, the article will include their byline and a short contributor note where appropriate. Contributor pages (when included) link to the author’s public profile and list other work they have produced for the site.

We do not present contributor bylines as professional certification. If a piece requires specialised legal, financial, tax or medical expertise, we will make that limitation clear and advise readers to consult a qualified professional.

Conflicts of interest

When the editorial team or contributors have a potential conflict of interest related to a story (for example, financial ties to a subject covered), we will disclose that relationship on the relevant page.

Disclaimer

Content on CityAffairs.co.uk is for general information about UK cities, local living and relocation. It is not a substitute for personalised professional advice. We are unable to provide personalised legal, financial, tax, relocation or property advice. Readers with specific circumstances should consult qualified professionals or the relevant official authorities.

How to contact us

If you have questions about this Editorial Policy, wish to report an error or propose a correction, please use our Contact page or email: admin@cityaffairs.co.uk. We welcome corrections, source suggestions and feedback that improve the accuracy and usefulness of our content.