Title

DEVOLUTION

Think-tank calls for Glasgow mayor

Glasgow is at risk of falling behind England’s major cities unless it receives a devolution deal and a directly elected city region mayor, think-tank Centre for Cities has warned.

© RaiaG / Shutterstock.com

© RaiaG / Shutterstock.com

Glasgow is at risk of falling behind England's major cities unless it receives a devolution deal and a directly elected city region mayor, think-tank Centre for Cities has warned.

A report by the think-tank said Glasgow's economic potential was ‘constrained by fragmented governance and a lack of powers over key areas' such as transport, housing, skills and economic development.  

Centre for Cities called on the Scottish Government to legislate for the establishment of mayoral combined authorities in Scotland and put Glasgow at the front of the queue for a mayor, who would cover eight councils.

Chief executive of Centre for Cities, Andrew Carter, said: ‘A directly elected mayor for the Glasgow city region would bring much-needed leadership, accountability and the ability to shape growth around the city's needs.'

 

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