Member Article

Leading international economists to debate UK city-led growth at Manchester hearing

The newly-created City Growth Commission (CGC), led by the man who coined the term ‘BRICS’, Jim O’Neill, and supported by leading international economists including Diane Coyle, Greg Clark and Bruce Katz, begins its independent inquiry into shaping city-led growth, with an open hearing at Manchester Town Hall on Tuesday 11th February 2014.

The hearing is the first of three to take place across England this year. Manchester delivers the event on the basis that it is already making strong progress in pushing ahead for greater autonomy and devolution – as the UK’s first city to have introduced a combined authority.

The event will cover, through an open discussion, three broad questions:

1. What are the main factors currently limiting cities’ growth, and what are the most important economic policy levers they need to maximise their potential?

2. What political levers or governance structures are needed?

3. How might public service reform (e.g. education and skills, employment services) support and drive local economic growth?

Members of the public and representatives of the press are invited to attend the discussion, which will be recorded and will contribute towards the evidence base of a detailed report by CGC, due for publication later this year.

The final report will take into account an evaluation of these events and convey findings from a dedicated research programme which is to be undertaken throughout 2014.

The Commission, which is hosted by RSA (the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) aims to produce tangible recommendations on how Government can grant more autonomy to UK cities, in support of the country’s social and economic development.

Confirmed attendees and organisations on the Manchester panel include:

- Sir Richard Leese, leader, Manchester City Council

- Eammon Boylan, chief executive, Stockport Council

- Professor Rod Coombs, deputy president and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manchester

- Michael Oglesby, chairman of Bruntwood

- Professor Alan Harding, Michael Heseltine Institute, University of Liverpool

- Ken Lee, HR Director, BBC North

- Lorna Fitzsimons, The Alliance Project and former MP for Rochdale

- Iain Taylor, Peel Partnerships Director

Ben Lucas, chair of public services for RSA, said: “This is the first City Growth Commission evidence hearing and we’re delighted to be in Manchester to learn from and highlight, the city’s experience in driving productivity, economic growth and social value by coordinating across Boroughs.”

“City-regions can provide strategic, accountable local leadership to make the best of their economic assets - helping to attract investment, create jobs and improve living standards.”

“At a time of austerity and increasing demand on public services, cities can also catalyse reform, improving outcomes, reducing cost and enhancing financial sustainability over the long term.”

Mike Emmerich, whom is advising the Commission in his capacity as chief executive for New Economy, said: “Cities are the driving force of the international marketplace but, to truly unleash their potential here in the UK, there is much more that should be done to devolve central fiscal and economic policy.

“This event will be an opportunity for to talk frankly and openly about how do that; how we enable cities like Manchester to fulfil their potential, so that they can truly complement the phenomenal growth of London, and boost the prosperity of the country as a whole.

“For the UK to have economically strong, financially self-sustaining cities, there is a need for a real change in how Government coordinates policy, programmes and projects.”

For more information on the City Growth Commission: www.thersa.org/action-research-centre/community-and-public-services/the-city-growth-commission

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .