Cities, responsible for 60 per cent of the UK’s gross domestic product, have a crucial role to play in reviving our national economy. This collection discusses some of the ways in which cities can make a difference to economic growth. We have asked senior city figures and thought leaders to give their views on why cities matter, and how government can help them fulfil their potential. We have presented their ideas in four sections:
1. Why cities matter
2. Funding local growth
3. The transport and houses cities need
4. Developing place-specific policies
With contributions from:
Jonathan Portes, Director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research
Professor Michael Parkinson CBE, Director of the European Institute for Urban Affairs, Liverpool John Moores University
Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs, British Chambers of Commerce
Tony Travers, Director of the Greater London Group, London School of Economics
Alex Plant, Executive Director, Economy, Transport and Environment, Cambridgeshire County Council
David Hill, Chief Executive, Milton Keynes Council
Mark Barrow, Strategic Director: Development, Birmingham City Council
Tom Bridges, Chief Economic Development Officer, Leeds City Council
The Mid-Sized Cities Group (Coventry, Derby, Preston & Sunderland)
Lord Smith of Leigh, Chairman, Association of Greater Manchester Authorities
Ged Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council Alistair Neill, Chief Executive, Southampton City Council
Edward Twiddy, Chief Executive, North East Local Enterprise Partnership