Devolution for all is key to success
MIPIM UK NEWS: For devolution to be effective, it needs to happen everywhere in the UK, not just the Northern Powerhouse or Midlands Engine, Liz Peace said at a debate about regional opportunities post-Brexit.
The chairman of the Curzon Urban Regeneration Company said that the government under prime minister Theresa May is “far more focused on developing everywhere in the UK” and that is one of the biggest opportunities post-Brexit.
“The great swathes of the UK that weren’t in the Northern Powerhouse or Midlands Engine are important as well,” said Peace. “Regional devolution is about bringing economic growth everywhere, not just the bits that we give a title to.”
MIPIM UK NEWS: For devolution to be effective, it needs to happen everywhere in the UK, not just the Northern Powerhouse or Midlands Engine, Liz Peace said at a debate about regional opportunities post-Brexit.
The chairman of the Curzon Urban Regeneration Company said that the government under prime minister Theresa May is “far more focused on developing everywhere in the UK” and that is one of the biggest opportunities post-Brexit.
“The great swathes of the UK that weren’t in the Northern Powerhouse or Midlands Engine are important as well,” said Peace. “Regional devolution is about bringing economic growth everywhere, not just the bits that we give a title to.”
Economic growth outside of London will depend on government policy not being “one size fits all”, added outgoing chief executive of Manchester City Council Sir Howard Bernstein. He added that each area had its own strengths and needs in the services it provides.
Councils themselves also have to understand where their “distinctive sectors” lie if they are to narrow the gap between opportunities and the local skills available.
“We want people to come from all over the world, not just Europe, but if we want to reduce economic migration, we need to have a skill system that meets the jobs that we have,” said Bernstein.
The lack of infrastructure, the panel agreed, was also holding back some of the potential in the regions.
Phillip Davies, leader of Wirral Council, said: “The Northern Powerhouse has to be more than just a soundbite. We have great opportunities around the port of Liverpool, particularly in trade, but we have an antiquated rail system going west to east.
“HS3 is absolutely critical for our economic future. That requires the government to be bold in providing funding like it has for other projects. We need real capital investment to unlock the opportunities.”
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