Core Cities
Shifting cities to net zero
How do we build on the progress made in the great Core City of Glasgow to deliver a just and workable net-zero transition for our citizens? Cllr Nick Forbes says cities are part of the solution.
Plugging the net zero funding gap
The UK Climate Change Investment Commission is developing a radical place-based offer to private finance, says Alison Griffin - and it estimates in the core cities and London boroughs alone there is potential for up to £500m worth of investment.
EXCLUSIVE: Questions over taskforce purpose
Local government associations have called for ministers to define the purpose of a new taskforce ahead of April’s launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), The MJ understands.
Core Cities' offer is not just a housing opportunity
Core Cities UK's offer to the UK Government to increase annual housing delivery up to a total of 25,000 homes per year, offers not just a housing opportunity, but also a skills, employment, economic and low carbon dividend, says Cllr Nick Forbes.
Cities can bring economic and policy substance to the levelling up agenda
A report from the OECD underlines that Core Cities still do not contribute their full potential to national prosperity, says Cllr Nick Forbes. But we can build on our experiences in handling the pandemic to create a platform for recovery, he adds.
Cities are not mere delivery agents for nations
All the global cities at the first 'G7 U7' summit were on the frontline during the pandemic, says Cllr Nick Forbes. 'They all suffered as a result, but our discussion made clear they are also the places most capable of delivering recovery'.
Report finds cities hit by 'Zoomshock' are best placed to economic recovery
Cities have been hollowed out by COVID but they are still best placed to drive the recovery, a report by economic growth specialists Metro Dynamics has said.
Cities are core to driving post-COVID recovery
Core Cities is planning a virtual event next month - G7 C7 - 'that will bring together city networks like ourselves from across the G7 countries to discuss topics including Net Zero and economic recovery', says Cllr Nick Forbes.
Glasgow first to sign circular economy commitment
Glasgow City Council has become the first in the UK to sign a commitment to raise awareness of the full benefits of the circular economy.
City leaders raise concerns over levelling up fund
Council leaders have questioned the how effective the Government’s levelling up fund will prove to be.
Cities are key to building back better, think-tank says
Government will not be able to fulfil its commitment to building back better without investment in cities, a new report commissioned by Core Cities UK has claimed.
Assuming the recovery position
Chair of Core Cities UK’s chief executive officers’ group, Pat Ritchie reflects on the need for collaborative working to address the economic impacts of COVID-19, and she outlines six key priorities to prepare the ground for future recovery.
We desperately need to bring back culture to our cities
Culture is a key ingredient in the overall mix that attracts people to our city centres, says Cllr Judith Blake. We need to nurture a post-COVID generation of performers, technicians and administrators, she adds.
Cities issue stark finance warning
The Core Cities have written to the Government, warning they face Section 114 notices unless the gaps in funding are addressed.
COVID continues to threaten our statutory obligations to our communities
If Government enforces Tier 3 then it must be prepared to support local councils to protect the vulnerable and those whose incomes will be severely affected, argues chair of Core Cities UK Cllr Judith Blake.
Frustration bubbles over wait for Brexit bonanza
The Government runs the risk of ‘levelling up everywhere at rock bottom’ as uncertainty continues to reign over funding for the regions months after Brexit.
CBI backs 'turbo charged' devolution
The business community will now back ‘turbo charged’ devolution, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) told a Core Cities seminar last week.
We need to invest properly in the local state
We should see any COVID-19 relief monies as an investment in our nation’s future, says Core Cities UK portfolio holder for finance Cllr David Mellen. If we invest in public services now, we will get our nation up and running, he adds.
Fresh funding row brews
Another row was brewing this week over how much councils have spent on coronavirus and how much the Government will cover.
Our first responsibility is to be a good ancestor
We need to stand shoulder to shoulder with Government and trust that the original commitment to ensuring councils have ‘whatever it takes’ will stand, says Tony Kirkham.
