22.07.14
Core Cities call for greater devolution of powers
England’s eight largest cities have launched an aggressive push for greater devolution of powers and budgets as part of a new campaign backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson.
The Local Voices campaign, headed by the Core Cities Group, highlights where greater freedom has benefited the cities of Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle and Liverpool.
In particular the campaign is calling for greater financial freedoms to London and the Core Cities – specifically the devolution of property taxes – in all the 2015 general election manifestos; and a commitment to cities having powers devolved over decision making and commissioning, for example in skills and employment support.
The campaigners highlighted that greater freedom to decide how to spend the money generated in cities, such as property taxes, would help the Core Cities meet their target of outperforming the national economy, and becoming financially self-sustaining.
They added that independent forecasts demonstrate this could mean an additional £222bn and 1.3 million jobs for the country by 2030.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council and chair of the Core Cities Cabinet said: “The national economy needs our cities to succeed like never before in delivering jobs and growth, and reducing dependency on public services. To do so means going further and faster in devolving resources from the centre.
“The Local Voices campaign clearly demonstrates the positive impact devolution can have on people’s lives. This campaign seeks to highlight the excellent work cities do and how with more freedoms we can make our community’s better places to live.”
Recently, the Communities and Local Government Committee stated that local authorities should be given greater powers over their finances, and be released from the “fiscal grip” of Whitehall.
(Photo: Sue Langford)
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