Description
Book SynopsisBritain invented the modern industrial city in the nineteenth century. But by the late 20th century most British cities had become basket cases. Today London overshadows the rest of the country, as the UK's only 'world city'. No other large country is anything like as economically and politically centralized. This concentration of power damages Britain's economy and fuels the sense of discontent felt by the millions of people for whom the capital seems like another planet. Yet it is cities that are fuelling economic growth around the world. Mike Emmerich looks at the DNA of cities and how it expresses itself in their institutions, governance, public services, religion and culture. He argues that the UK needs a devolutionary ratchet, allowing major cities the freedom to seek devolution of any area of public spending that is not inherently national in nature (such as defence). Cities should have powers to raise some of their own taxes including business, property and sales based taxes and to increase them. He calls for sustained investment in transport and infrastructure, and also training. An innovation-centric industrial policy would also have an emphasis on the social fabric of cities and - crucially - their institutions.
Trade Review"Mike Emmerich has been a passionate voice for the exciting, albeit still very limited, devolution that has taken place in the past couple of years in England. The fact that this devolution was led by Greater Manchester, where Mike was at the centre of the group that persuaded Whitehall to go down this path, suggests that his ideas on, and enthusiasm about, the project should be read by anyone interested in the topic. As someone who was motivated and supported by Mike during this journey, I hope his publishing a book on the issues adds to the devolutionary momentum and helps deliver some of the things he calls for." Lord Jim O'Neill, former Commercial Secretary to the Treasury and former Chair of the Cities Growth Commission; "This book is a timely reminder that Britain's cities continue to need development and powers to craft their own futures. This is seen as a risk at the centre, where giving away power seems foolhardy. But the benefits of allowing our cities beyond London to shape their own investment programmes and build their own business networks is exemplified by how Manchester, where Emmerich has been based for many years, has revived and regained its confidence." Bridget Rosewell OBE, Senior Adviser at Volterra Partners and Commissioner for the National Infrastructure Commission
