City Leadership Giving City-regions the Power to Grow
England is one of the most centralised countries in the developed world - and its cities lack financial power. Big economic development decisions are taken by Whitehall and by unelected regional quangos. Policymakers agree that cities need more powers, but there's no consensus on how to devolve.City Leadership examines the economic case for financial devolution, using original research in Birmingham, Liverpool and Barnsley. It argues that Government must devolve substantial spending and revenue-raising powers to our biggest city-regions, starting with Greater Machester and Birmingham. The report feeds into the Lyons Inquiry, Local Government White Paper and Comprehensive Spending Review.