12.06.15
Core Cities UK hold ‘positive’ devolution talks with Greg Clark
The Core Cities UK cabinet have had a “positive” meeting on devolution with the new secretary of state for communities and local government today.
The leaders and mayors of the UK’s 10 Core Cities met with Greg Clark in London, and PSE has been told that the talks have given a “real boost” to the urban policy on devolution.
PSE understands that the Core Cities were offering to work with the government to create more jobs, reform public services and spending sustainably and to work jointly on a comprehensive spending review.
Ahead of the meeting, Sir Richard Leese, chair of Core Cities UK and leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We have come a long way on the devolution agenda, and whilst there is much to be welcomed there is still much to be done.
“We believe the UK’s ‘Productivity Puzzle’ can in large part be solved by devolving down powers to increase investment, skills and jobs.
“Public services are also under enormous pressure, and aligning services and funds more closely at the local level will get better results.
“This is therefore a crucial time for our great cities and we will be discussing how to unlock more of their massive potential with the secretary of state, seeking a way forward that will help each place to play its part.”
The 10 UK Core Cities:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Nottingham
- Sheffield
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