London Councils has stated that boroughs across the city have welcomed a major new report from the Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce.
The UK Urban Futures Commission, from the RSA, has released a new report that explores how the potential of cities in the UK can be unlocked, with the outcomes including evolving the relationship between local and central government, as well as giving decision-makers a toolkit for how cities can be strengthened.
Three questions were used to guide the work of the commission, with these forming the basis for the report. These questions were based on what cities are and what role they play in social, economic and environmental systems, as well as what the biggest challenges are; what the vision for the future of the UK’s cities is, considering those challenges; and how it is possible for the vision for cites to be achieved.
With the report being published last week, London Councils has responded well, whilst also welcoming the report’s call for new powers for local authorities. These powers would serve to support local leaders, as well as enhancing the ability to attract investment from the private sector.
Acting Chair of London Councils, Cllr Claire Holland, said:
“Devolving more powers and resources to the local level is key to addressing so many of the challenges communities face across the country – and this applies to London too.
“Compared to other countries around the world, the UK still operates within a highly centralised national structure that too often undermines local leaders’ ability to get the best possible results for residents.
“Boroughs in the capital are as determined as ever that London’s devolution journey is not yet over. With more financial levers at our disposal, we would be in a much stronger position to boost growth and invest in the long-term future of Londoners’ local services. We will continue to work alongside cities from across the UK in pushing forward this vital agenda.”
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees is co-chairing the commission with RSA Chief Executive Andy Haldane, with leaders from across a number of sectors playing their role as Commissioners. The commission will also see a partnership between the Royal Society of Arts and Lloyds Banking Group, alongside Core Cities UK which is an alliance of 11 cities in the UK. These cities are:
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Nottingham
- Sheffield
The final report follows 12 months of work by the Commission, with it looking to build on the success of the City Growth (2014) and Inclusive Growth (2017) reports that preceded.
Image credit: iStock
