Last week saw the Core Cities collect in Glasgow for to discuss the finer points of devolution. A lot has happened since the last major Core Cities conference, over a year before, when economic growth and fiscal devolution were the key issues on the table.
Since then, the Scottish independence referendum has kicked off a national debate on devolution on both sides of the border. Central government – and the shadow cabinet – have noticed the potential for ‘economic powerhouses’ in the north, and Westminster politicians of all colours are waking up to the potential of our cities.
A series of combined authorities have emerged, alongside a raft of city deals. But perhaps the most significant development has been the Greater Manchester devolution deal, which sets the bar – all be it quite a low bar – for future devolution to our cities.
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