Business chiefs have called for a bigger role in working with local authorities to help regenerate Britain’s cities.
A new report from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) calls for more devolution to city regions to allow councils and businesses to work together to address the issue of regeneration.
The report calls on the Government to give councils across city regions more autonomy over their economic development, with additional decision-making powers over transport, planning and skills.
Chambers of commerce should also be given a formal role in the decision-making process and help set economic priorities. It also recommends that chambers of commerce, schools and councils should work together to ensure that training strategies meet the needs of the local economy.
The Birmingham Alliance, which includes local firms, is praised in the report for working with Birmingham City Council to redevelop the city’s Bullring area and create around 8,000 jobs.
A partnership between Sheffield City Council and the local chamber of commerce is also mentioned in the report for helping develop the scientific, cultural and knowledge economies in the region.
‘Over the past decade, cities across the country have seen their economies revitalised, due in no small measure to the dynamism of the business community,’ said BCC director general, David Frost. ‘The beating heart of any city’s economy is its business community.
‘By striking up strong working relationships, business groups and local authorities have been able to lay the foundations for success, developing the infrastructure needed for investment and growth.
‘Nevertheless, big challenges lie ahead, particularly in ensuring all communities in all parts of a city share in the benefits of success, and sustaining it through allowing British cities to compete internationally.’
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