New campaign calls for more powers and better funding for Birmingham

THINK Birmingham, a new campaign launched today, is calling for greater powers and extra funding for the city ahead of next year’s General Election.

Part of the national Think Cities campaign from Centre for Cities, Think Birmingham is arguing that sustained economic growth requires more powerful and better funded cities.
 
Campaign organisers say they are responding to the growing consensus and ambition across the political spectrum in favour of greater local devolution in England.

It makes the case that cities need more control over how they raise and spend money, and that cities need more control over the big decisions that affect the lives of those who live and work there.

Spokesman Kevin Johnson said: “Think Birmingham is bringing together key voices from across the city to make the case for more powers and freedoms at a local level ahead of the next General Election.”
 
“Over the next ten months, we will be lobbying politicians across Birmingham and in Westminster, to make sure that the next Government thinks Birmingham after the next election.

“Only through better funding and more local authority powers will Birmingham be able to unlock the huge growth potential that exists within the city – for the benefit of the people who live here, and the UK’s future economic growth.”

Think Birmingham admits that the city is a strong national performer in business, professional and financial services, digital media, advanced manufacturing and life sciences..

But it points out that Birmingham faces challenges too: one in six people have no formal qualifications and its number of graduates is low.

“Birmingham needs the tools and flexibility to improve skills and get more people into jobs alongside significant investment in infrastructure, such as the arrival of HS2, the £600m New Street Station/Grand Central development and Resorts World Birmingham at the NEC,” it said.

“Delivering targeted support in these areas will deliver tangible results for Birmingham’s residents and help to grow its economy in the longer term.”
 
Think Birmingham quotes polling conducted by ComRes which found that 73% of people in marginal seats would support greater powers for local government in their area, whilst only 33% of people think their local government currently has sufficient tools and powers to boost local economies.

“With nearly two thirds of key marginal seats in city regions, no political party can afford to disregard the momentum building for change,” it said.

“Think Birmingham seizes on this opportunity, to make the case to politicians and policymakers to give Birmingham a greater say in shaping its future.”