Delivery key to devolution deals says O’Neill

CITY regions like Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield can secure major devolution deals like Greater Manchester has, but they must show government they can deliver, according to leading economist Jim O’Neill.

Mr O’Neill, the former star economist at Goldman Sachs, who now chairs the government’s City Growth Commission, was speaking at the Northern Futures summit in Leeds,  days after Chancellor George Osborne unveiled an agreement with Greater Manchester’s council leaders for the devolution of significant powers from central government.

“This week’s Manchester deal is the sort of deal that’s going to be on offer. If you are in a combined authority, and there are currently five, you have the chance to get a deal like this.

“Those that are classed as being capable to deliver and take responsibility should be encouraged to go for it rather than waiting for others.”

He added that combined authorities need to be able to show they can implement this potential power.

Controlling local skills budgets was essential for regional growth, he stated: “Giving local people control of the skills agenda is probably the biggest thing in getting long-term GDP growth potential.

“If you want to push for more beyond the things being done in Manchester, you need to be pushing other people to think more boldly and become more focused on these sorts of issues.

“It is very, very evident the skills challenge is very complex and different in different places. We cannot solve that with even the smartest people in Whitehall.”
 
Deputy Prime Minsiter Nick Clegg is chairing the event, which is being attended by business, political and academic leaders from across the North.