Cardiff is in advanced discussions to join the Core Cities Group.
The Core Cities consists of England’s eight largest city economies outside London and generate 27% of England’s wealth. They have provided a united local authority voice to promote the role of cities in driving economic growth for almost 20 years.
The announcement that Glasgow will formally be joining the Core Cities is a further indication that cities and city-regions are now being seen nationally as the keys to unlocking economic growth, and of rebalancing the British economy away from London and the South East.
The Leader of the City of Cardiff Council, Councillor Phil Bale, said:
“Today’s announcement that Glasgow is joining the Core Cities Group is an important recognition of the role that cities have to play in rebalancing the British economy.
We in Wales can’t ignore this agenda. That is why Cardiff is in discussions with the Core Cities, and I’m pleased with the progress we’re making.
Cardiff is one of the UK’s fastest growing cities and is bouncing back strongly from the recession. In short, it’s a huge asset for the Welsh economy.
But if we’re to keep pace Cardiff – and the Capital Cardiff Region – will need additional investment, discretion over how this investment is spent, and flexibilities in terms of raising revenues which are at the heart of the deals being struck with the Treasury by other British cities.”
