Barnsley's leaders are taking part in a major new research project with the Centre for Cities. City Leadership is examining the scope for Barnsley to take on more financial powers, to support local economic development and job creation.

The Centre for Cities is talking to Barnsley's leaders about the case for greater devolution to Barnsley MBC, using examples such as the Barnsley Markets regeneration project to understand investment needs. It will hold a business stakeholder event on 14 September with Barnsley Chamber of Commerce. This event will discuss the case for greater financial devolution for Barnsley.

City Leadership is working with business and council leaders in Barnsley, Birmingham and Liverpool and will report in March 2006.

Adam Marshall, Centre for Cities, said:

“Our towns and cities don't have the spending, borrowing and revenue-raising powers they need. Economic development is still too centrally-driven. Towns like Barnsley need more financial incentives to grow. This project will help towns and cities make the case for greater financial devolution, and for better alignment of powers, funding and skills.”

Stephen Houghton, Leader of Barnsley MBC, said:

“Barnsley is extremely pleased to participate in this City Leadership project. Much has gone on in Barnsley in terms of redevelopment and a lot of lessons have been learned on how best to ensure urban regeneration comes about.

The Centre for Cities' work should help us take that a stage further and hopefully influence Government to make the necessary changes so that towns and cities in the region can realise their full potential.”

The Centre for Cities is working closely with Barnsley MBC, Barnsley Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward, Barnsley Chamber of Commerce, Barnsley Business Innovation Centre and the 1249 Regeneration Partnership / Ashcroft Estates.

Notes to Editors:

City Leadership is examining cities' existing economic development toolkit – and will make the case for greater financial devolution to the city level. It is asking these questions:

• What functions should be run at what level?
• What are the implications of greater financial devolution to cities?
• How do we make city governance economically effective, and accountable to local needs?
• What's the correct scale for city economic development?
• Would elected city mayors help achieve better economic outcomes?

The Centre for Cities is an independent urban policy research unit, based at ippr – the Institute for Public Policy Research. Launched in March 2005, it is taking a fresh look at how UK cities function. It is funded by Lord Sainsbury of Turville.