00Introduction

As in previous contests, the main debates that have dominated the 2015 General Election campaigns have focused on major national issues including the future of the economy, the NHS, Europe and immigration. But reflective of a year in which devolution and cities have risen up the political agenda, many of the manifestos also include specific proposals for further decentralisation and more investment in individual cities, regions and nations.

This briefing looks in more detail at what each of the parties has said about cities, devolution and on policy areas that impact on cities’ ability to support economic growth. The key policies from the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour manifestos are set out, as well as those of the nationalist and smaller parties who could yet hold the balance of power in the new Parliament.