Responding to Centre for Cities’ ‘Cities Outlook 2019’ report, Dr Jack Brown, Senior Researcher at Centre for London said:

“In an increasingly divided UK, towns, cities and regions up and down the country are struggling.

“The UK remains highly centralised, with power and resources concentrated in Westminster and Whitehall. This means that distinct localities are not able to shape policy to suit their own particular needs, while creating a sense that regions are competing for one ‘pot’ of funding.

“Despite the limited but positive progress towards a more devolved United Kingdom, the devolution debate now seems to be stuck.

“As government grapples to deliver Brexit, they must continue to push power to a more accountable, local level, with decisions taken as close as possible to those who they affect. Only this will allow places to tackle their distinct challenges – and build on their unique strengths.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Centre for London is publishing a new report, London, UK on Tuesday 5 February exploring how London’s relationship has changed with the rest of the UK and how the capital can better connect with the country. Find out more about the project.
• The report will be launched at The British Library at an event with speakers including Caroline Flint, MP for Don Valley, Catherine McGuinness, Chair of Policy and Resources Committee, City of London Corporation and Henri Murison, Director, The Northern Powerhouse Partnership. Please contact amy.leppanen@centreforlondon.org if you would like a press place at this event. Find out more about the event.