Greater Birmingham lined up for devolution – Heseltine

CONSERVATIVE Party heavyweight Lord Heseltine has said that Birmingham is being lined up as the next city to receive devolved powers from central government.

The move, which is dependent on the return of a Conservative-led government in next month’s General Election or a government of another hue agreeing to the same initiative – would see the Greater Birmingham area following Manchester and Cambridge down the devolved powers route.

It would mean greater freedom in areas such as business rates, transport and planning.

Former deputy prime minister Lord Hestletine is quoted as saying said: “Birmingham is next, that’s been agreed”.

In November, Chancellor George Osborne said Greater Manchester would get its own elected mayor with powers over transport, taxes, housing, planning and policing.

In last month’s Budget he said Manchester and Cambridge would also be able to retain 100% of the growth in business rates in their areas.

That alone is expected to provide Manchester with a £1.1bn boost.

Birmingham and Black Country council leaders have agreed to create a combined authority in the region – a necessary pre-condition for receiving devolved powers.

Lord Heseltine, who has long been a supporter of devolved powers and regional growth, has worked closely with the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP on the issue of devolution, creating the No Stone Unturned document which is a blueprint for the Greater Birmingham project.