Mark Whitehead 15 May 2019

Think tank calls for creation of a British Investment Bank

An investment bank should be set up to 'kick start a productivity revolution' after Brexit, according to a local government think tank.

Localis says the Government must guarantee that money currently given by the European Investment Bank and EU structural funds should continue but should be handled by a British equivalent.

It says a 'renewed relationship of trust and respect' is needed between local and central government' to restore 'economic purpose'.

Hitting Reset – a case for local leadership’ says providing financial resources for economic investment, freedom to raise local revenues to fund vital local services and a transfer of powers from Whitehall to local level are 'vital to rebuilding a strong local state capable of rebalancing the national economy'.

A British Investment Bank would enable regional productivity to be democratically accountable and the next Spending Review should set out a replacement to EU funding until 2025.

Localis also calls for a Royal Commission into fiscal devolution as the first step to providing long-term surety of resources, empowering the local state to drive vital 'place-based economic and social reforms'.

In the shorter term, local authorities should be given the freedom to set council tax levels and keep full business rates revenues.

Localis CEO Jonathan Werran told LocalGov: 'A British Investment Bank would be able to allocate resources where they are most required to kick start a much-needed productivity revolution.

'It would mean investment could be organised and agreed at local level and stimulate growth.'

Ann McGauran reports in further detail on the report (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Residential Youth Practitioner

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
The Move On Service provides intensive supported housing accommodation for young people aged 16 to 18 years who are in the care of the local authority, working to create individual plans for those requiring additional support for their transition towards Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Locality and Community Support Worker - North

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
The Locality & Community Support Service in North Oxfordshire are seeking to recruit a Locality Support Worker to join their Locality & Community Support Team. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic worker who is passionate about improving outc Banbury
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner