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

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Employment Vetting Officer

Essex County Council
£26090.00 - £30693.00 per annum
Employment Vetting OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,090 to £30,693 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker Level 2

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO3 - £45,750 to £49,056
We are pleased to inform you that an opportunity for a Level 2 Social Worker has become available Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner