Leaders from 11 major cities in the UK have sent a letter to the new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, outlining how big cities can help drive economic growth and become central to the success of the government’s missions, according to a report from The Business Desk. Led by Liverpool’s City Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, the leaders argue that reversing the long-term underinvestment in urban areas could unlock £100bn per annum for the UK economy. Public services also require investment, “prioritising investment in prevention and integrating service delivery in partnership between ourselves as Councils, with our neighbours and as part of Combined Authorities and Devolved Governments, and across the public, private and voluntary sectors,” the letter states. Finally, the letter highlights that the cities have a significant track record of achieving environmental goals, working in partnership with the private sector to reach net zero.
Core Cities UK, the network made up of Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield – all signatures on the letter – represents cities responsible for 25% of the UK’s economy. The leaders expect that the focus on investment in cities will also help to rebalance regional economic inequalities and improve social outcomes such as lifting people out of poverty and unemployment. The letter emphasises the willingness of these cities to work in partnership with the national, mayoral and local governments and the sectors they encompass to deliver meaningful change.
According to Cllr Robinson, “Core Cities UK offers a powerful lobbying voice on quality of life and economic regeneration issues, to bring sustained growth and positive impact to our regions and the nation as a whole. Together we can rise to the challenges of our time, transitioning to a low carbon economy, reducing poverty and making our communities healthier while delivering economic growth that supports jobs and improved living standards.”
The Core Cities UK Cabinet includes Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees, leader of Manchester City Council Sir Richard Leese, and leader of Leeds City Council Cllr Judith Blake
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