The promise of new powers for the country’s major regional cities could be one of the greatest opportunities offered to Bristol in decades, according to a leading business commentator.
The newly elected Conservative Government laid out the blueprint for devolution for the UK’s leading cities in the recent Queen’s Speech. Philip Morton, Head of Agency & Development at the Bristol office of leading property advisers CBRE, believes the city is one of the best placed to take full advantage of the new powers on offer.
Philip said: “Although many of the details still need to be ironed out, this is a fantastic opportunity for Bristol and probably the biggest change in the way local government is run in this country since the 1970s. What is really encouraging is the fact that Bristol is one of only a handful of major UK cities to already have an elected mayor, something which the Government has made clear has to come hand in hand with devolution.”
The Government wants to see more powers devolved from Westminster to the regions and those who sign up for the deal will get control over key areas such as planning, transport, housing and even healthcare. Greater Manchester will act as a template for the new system of local government but other cities are being encouraged to follow suit.
Philip added: “In the past, major schemes in the area have faltered. However, this proposal will need all four unitary authorities to work even closer together. Bristol and the surrounding areas need to grasp this fantastic opportunity and all the advantages that will come with it.
“Bristol is in a great position to benefit from the return to economic growth as it has one of the strongest economies outside of London. If the city is given control of key areas such as planning and transport then there will be even more opportunities for growth. It is vital for Bristol to take full advantage of this potentially fantastic opportunity.”