Business leaders in Greater Manchester have backed the city’s devolution deal to boost local firms across the region, according to new research published today by the think tank Centre for Cities in association with UK law firm, TLT.
In a survey of nearly 400 local business leaders conducted by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Centre for Cities , three quarters supported the idea of a more powerful combined authority for the city-region. 

More than half said that their business would benefit from local government having the power to vary and retain local taxes, enabling them to unlock investment in the local economy, while 59% said that local leaders taking greater control over housing and transport in the city-region would be an advantage for their business.

The findings are published in a new Centre for Cities report in association with TLT, ‘Firm Views: the business take on devolution’  offering the first in-depth insight into the views of Greater Manchester business leaders towards the city-region’s devolution deal. The agreement will give local leaders more control over local transport, public services and taxes in the years ahead.

As well as backing more powers over taxes, transport and housing, most local business leaders also support the introduction of an elected mayor and combined authority in Greater Manchester, which will take place in 2017 – with 52% saying it would be a positive development, compared to just 6% who were not in favour. The majority of businesses also welcomed the prospect of local government taking control over local public services budgets (52%), with the city-region’s health and social care budgets due to be devolved to local leaders in April 2016.

However, the research also suggests that local business leaders would like more opportunity to shape the devolution agenda locally – with 52% of respondents saying that they have not had the chance to voice their views on the city-region’s devolution deal.

The report argues that, as local government leaders in Manchester prepares to take on more powers over the next few years, it is vital that they channel the enthusiasm of the city’s business community by ensuring that local firms are at the heart of discussions about key economic priorities such as transport, infrastructure and local tax rates.

Commenting on the findings, Alexandra Jones, Chief Executive of the think tank Centre for Cities, said:

 “We often hear that the private sector is sceptical about the benefits that devolution would bring but this report shows that businesses leaders in Greater Manchester back the devolution agenda and believe it could offer them real opportunities in the years to come. Our survey of nearly 400 local firms shows that there is real appetite among the business community for local leaders to have greater control over the issues that matter most to the city’s economy, such as transport, housing and local taxes.

“For local leaders to make the most of the opportunities that devolution will bring, it’s vital that they continue to work with Manchester’s business community to ensure that they have a shared understanding of local economic priorities and that local government can use their new powers to meet the needs of local firms. This will be crucial in making sure that places and businesses across Greater Manchester are in the best possible position to capitalise on the benefits that devolution will offer.”

Chris Fletcher, Director of Policy at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“For many businesses the devolution plans offer a great way of not just getting more control and influence in the decision making process but also puts a level of accountability that has been missing for too long back into local politics. In Greater Manchester the history and legacy of close working between the public and private sector is there for all to see and it is important that future plans are developed and delivered to continue this. Businesses are keen and willing to get involved with this not only to ensure that the new model works effectively but it can also deliver the opportunities to the Greater Manchester economy. “

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here