Academics suggest mayors for regions not just cities

A study by the Warwick Commission has concluded elected mayors would be more effective if they governed entire “economic areas” such as Leeds or Sheffield city regions, rather than being restricted to the current local authority boundaries.

Yorkshire’s four largest cities – Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford and Wakefield – will each hold referendums on May 3 to decide whether they should be governed by London-style elected mayors.

The Government wants mayors installed in cities across the country to provide strong leadership and improve democratic accountability – but has faced opposition locally from councillors of all parties.

The Warwick Commission was charged with assessing the likely impact mayors would have and spent months interviewing civic leaders across the western world.

Commission chairman Professor Wyn Grant said: “Our evidence suggests elected mayors offer a real opportunity for change in a place where change is needed. However, major questions remain over powers and footprints of the proposed mayors.”

The Government has so far been vague about precisely what powers will be available to the new wave of city mayors if local electorates vote in favour next month.

The Commission said greater clarity is needed and that powers should be extended to the wider area around cities if mayors are to drive real economic growth.

“The areas people identify with are not bounded necessarily by city council boundaries,” the report said.

“Mayors are more likely to be effective... if they are responsible for functioning economic areas.

“The commission’s research indicates there is no point in electing a mayor whose remit does not cover the necessarily boundary-spanning regions that could foster economic growth.

“Government should return to considering extending to city region/metro mayors where this is appropriate for local areas at the earliest opportunity.”