Centre for Cities response to Comprehensive Spending Review

Our Chief Executive Alexandra Jones responds to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement this lunchtime.

Press release published on 25 November 2015

In response to the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review announced today, Alexandra Jones, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities said:

“In order to generate a surplus in the public finances by 2019-20, cities across the UK will need to play a leading role in driving additional economic growth, so we welcome the Government’s focus on delivering devolution, and addressing some of the big issues urban areas face – such as the urgent need to build new housing and to improve critical transport infrastructure.

“Continued cuts in local government funding will present local leaders with major challenges over the next few years. The Government’s plans to devolve more powers – including control over business rates, the ability to raise 2 per cent council tax precept and to retain 100% of receipts from local asset sales – will give places some more flexibility to negotiate a difficult funding environment and grow their economies.

“But to secure growth in the long-term, national and local leaders will need to attract significant private sector investment alongside the public funding announced today. It’s also crucial that as devolution progresses and these investment plans are put in place, more decisions about housing, skills, enterprise and transport are taken at city-region level.”

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