Latest Public Sector News

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)

Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]

Comments

There are no comments. Why not be the first?

Add your comment

public sector executive tv

more videos >

last word

Prevention: Investing for the future

Prevention: Investing for the future

Rob Whiteman, CEO at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance (CIPFA), discusses the benefits of long-term preventative investment. Rising demand, reducing resource – this has been the r more > more last word articles >

public sector focus

View all News

comment

Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

21/06/2019Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

Taking time to say thank you is one of the hidden pillars of a society. Bei... more >
How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

19/06/2019How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

Tom Chance, director at the National Community Land Trust Network, argues t... more >

interviews

Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

17/12/2018Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

It’s no secret that the public sector and its service providers need ... more >