Key Cities
2020: Time for a new era in local and central government collaboration
Chair of Key Cities Cllr John Merry welcomes both devolution and the Government’s stated ambition to prioritise investment in infrastructure ‘as this is something that our regions are crying out for especially beyond London and the Home Counties’.
Mid-sized cities should be Government’s automatic choice for tech impact pilots
Chair of the Key Cities Group Cllr Peter Box says mid-sized cities are ideally positioned to be the UK's automation pilot areas (AutoPilots)
Time for a UK-wide debate on tourism levies
Cities south of the border including Birmingham have plans to consider tourism levies. Cllr Judith Blake says Core Cities UK believes it's time for a national discussion about whether one might work in the UK.
Mid-sized cities are ready to push for enhanced growth
The Key Cities Group's latest report calls on the UK and devolved governments to work more closely with mid-sized cities. They stand ready, willing and able to lead the push for enhanced growth and social mobility, says Cllr Peter Box
Denver tax 'demonstrates fiscal devolution need'
The introduction of a 0.25% sales tax in Denver is ‘further proof of the need for devolved political power in the UK,’ a local government finance expert has suggested.
Councils warn of no deal Brexit risks
A no deal Brexit would leave councils struggling with new checks on EU imports and without access to billions of pounds, Smith Square has warned.
Cities need to up their game to make devolution a success
Devolution is not just about gaining new powers, it is about using the powers you already have. Andrew Carter believes cities are not as doing as much as they can.
We need a bolder Budget
Philip Hammond has a chance to put Britain on firmer ground as we leave the EU, and we expect the chancellor to deliver, writes Cllr Peter Box.
Newark and Sherwood chief exec moves to Channel Islands
Newark and Sherwood DC’s chief executive, Andrew Muter, will leave the council in February next year to take up a new position as chief executive of the States of Alderney in the Channel Islands.
Leaders call for Brexit 'city deal'
More than 30 urban leaders have called for a Brexit ‘city deal’ that recognises their role in promoting growth.
The keys to prosperity
Key Cities leaders gathered at a round table event, organised in partnership with The MJ, to discuss their pivotal role in propping up the UK economy and creating vibrant communities after Brexit. Sam Clayden reports.
Something to build on
Key figures talk to Heather Jameson about the impact the Industrial Strategy will have on national growth, with local government poised to take centre stage.
Joint Whitehall approach ‘key to making Industrial Strategy work’
The Industrial Strategy will need co-ordination across Whitehall departments and between central and local government to make it work, sector experts have warned.
Cities had better get geared up to lead the UK’s export drive
In a few years the UK will be in a very different business environment, and cities need to be prepared for it, writes Michael Burton.
Breaking through the turmoil
Cllr Paul Watson calls for the necessary levers needed to encourage inclusive growth and social cohesion.
Box blasts Osborne's Northern Powerhouse think-tank
George Osborne’s new Northern Powerhouse Partnership is focused on the ‘same old obsessions’ and offers nothing new for devolution, a Local Government Association deputy chair has claimed.
Finding a silver lining
Local and national government need to adopt a new economic policy that includes all of society and councils need to be on the front foot to lead this agenda, says Paul Watson
Strong branding lacked key details
An industrial strategy to cover the whole country is long overdue and is all the more urgent following the vote to leave the EU, writes leader of Sunderland City Council and chair of the Key Cities group Paul Watson.
Lies and statistics
Paul Wheeler says devolution means it is now more important than ever for comparisons across local government to be fair and realistic
Beware the Eurocrats’ agenda
Claire Fox asks why is there not greater local government support for Brexit when serious questions over EU sovereignty remain unanswered.
