Bigger, Better, Smarter: Why the extended Lyons Inquiry is good for our cities

Article

This paper argues that the expanded Lyons Inquiry is an opportunity that should not be wasted. Instead of political manoeuvring, it's time to develop concrete reforms - beginning with the devolution of real power and resources to Britain's cities.

The recent delay of the Lyons Inquiry into local government funding has been widely portrayed as a disaster - but in fact, it's rather good news.

The expansion of the Inquiry to include the role and functions of local government gives Whitehall the perfect opportunity to develop political and financial arrangements that help Britain's cities to perform better.

The UK is one of the most centralised countries in the developed world - but the economic evidence suggests that cities need real freedom in order to grow and prosper. Greater financial flexibility, policy-making independence, and strong leadership can promote economic growth. What's more, we know that scale matters, and that the case for financial devolution is strongest at a city-regional level.

This paper argues that the expanded Lyons Inquiry is an opportunity that should not be wasted. Instead of political manoeuvring, it's time to develop concrete reforms - beginning with the devolution of real power and resources to Britain's cities.

Centre for Cities has re-launched as an independent think tank. You can visit them online at http://www.centreforcities.org.

Related items

  1. View of Bank of England, Royal Exchange, and Duke of Wellington equestrian statue (1844) with skyscrapers and construction in background.

    Navigating in the fog: Why the OBR should hold its nerve on the productivity forecast

    The fiscal watchdog is under pressure to downgrade its forecast, costing the chancellor billions – but this would be premature.
  2. A busy bus full of people of all ages. An older couple smile at a younger woman with a baby in a pushchair

    Everyday concerns: What people want from transport

    Transport has a key role to play in achieving the UK government's missions and improving lives. 
  3. An unrecognisable woman playing a slot machine in a social club

    Reforming gambling taxation: How to lift half a million children out of poverty

    A key priority for the government’s upcoming child poverty strategy should be to remove the two-child limit and scrap the household benefit cap.