 London mayor Ken Livingstone has powers over transport in the city |
Increased powers over transport, infrastructure planning and economic development should be given to councils across England, a new report claims. The Local Government Association (LGA) report says authorities in England should get the sort of responsibilities devolved in Scotland, Wales and London.
The paper argues such measures would enable English cities to compete better with major European counterparts.
The LGA says its report has support from across the political spectrum.
'Self-generated dynamism'
LGA chairman Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart said: "On the continent, cities such as Frankfurt, Milan and Madrid have higher, faster growth compared to equivalent cities in Britain.
"With greater devolution of powers on taxation and clear powers over transport, infrastructure, planning, economic development and skills, they have managed to develop local economies with an inbuilt and self-generated dynamism that benefits not just the city, but pulls in the whole region.
"Whitehall should learn from their experience and give these powers to English cities."
The report, titled Closer to People and Places, also argues increased responsibilities would allow councillors to become more in touch with their constituencies, make better use of taxes and create "attractive, vibrant, prosperous, safe and friendly places where people are proud to live".
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