Cities join forces to generate growth

The leaders of the eight biggest English cities outside London, including Leeds and Sheffield, have joined forces to devise new plans aimed at encouraging regional economic growth.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Jan 2013, 06:00 BST

In a letter to the Prime Ministe, the group, known as the “core cities cabinet”, has called on the Government to work with them to boost national growth by capitalising on the “spare capacity” in English cities.

Leeds City Council leader Keith Wakefield said: “Our cabinet will not only strive to achieve for our core cities the best deal they can from Government, it will also allow us to reinforce our position at the forefront of driving devolution of powers further in areas such as transport and growth.

“For the nation to thrive it is imperative that the economic health of our big cities is strong.”

Each council leader will take responsibility for different areas with Mr Wakefield leading on skills and the labour market and Sheffield City Council leader Julie Dore becoming the member for finance and investment.