Prosperity depends on devolved power, says NW report
THE North West must have more decision-making powers to improve its competitiveness, according to a report by the Smith Institute think tank.
The report, The Future of the North West, was launched yesterday by regional minister Phil Woolas in the Houses of Parliament.
The authors highlight the growth potential of the North West and call for greater economic powers as well as long-term support for the region’s emerging low carbon energy sector.
It includes chapters by regional luminaries such as Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council; Robert Hough, chairman, of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA); Jim Buchanan, leader of Cumbria County Council; and Flo Clucas deputy Leader of Liverpool City Council.
The report focuses on four key priorities: capitalising on low-carbon-economy; increasing competitiveness; realising the potential of all; and ensuring housing and infrastructure for growth.
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said: “The Future of the North West is a considered piece of work that has contributions from private and public stakeholders from across the region and has the support of all the major political parties.
It focuses on the key social and economic issues affecting our region. It also shows the potential of England’s Northwest to be a powerhouse to the new economy of UKPLC with our advantages regarding sectors such as environmental, nuclear and digital technologies.”
Last year Greater Manchester was granted city region status which should mean more devolved powers such as the ability to set its own policy on skills and greater control over housing funding and public transport. The status should be formally approved at a meeting of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities’ executive board tomorrow.
