The Chamber welcomes report praising ‘dynamic and successful’ Luton
08/03/2006
The Chamber, which represents businesses in Bedfordshire and Luton, has welcomed a government report that praises some of the UK’s most dynamic and successful cities – including Luton. ‘State of the English Cities’ – a report from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister – is the most comprehensive study ever undertaken of England’s cities and towns, looking at their performance, the challenges they face and their potential.
Commenting on the report, Cheryl Smart, Commercial Director of the Chamber, said:
'We welcome the report and its recognition of the importance of cities and major towns to the UK's economic growth and competitiveness. Cities and towns are good places to do business and their success if testament to this. It's in the interest of both businesses and local communities that we have strong cities and major towns. Without a strong and dynamic base, no community and no area will flourish'
Added Cheryl:
'The report is right to suggest that one size does not fit all. We do not want to see a centrally driven, prescriptive package of measures to support our cities' economic growth. Each area is different and each should be able to decide how best to tackle their economic development, regeneration, transport and skills needs'
However, Cheryl warned against proposals for greater financial powers for cities without adequate business representation:
'In the decision-making process, business is key. It must sit at the decision-making table on an equal footing with local authority leaders and have a real influence. Anything less than that is in danger of being tokenistic, with business on the sidelines, asked to scrutinize decisions that have already been made and approve budgets to which they contribute via business taxes but over which they have no say'
'Businesses do not want to see a supplementary business rate. This would be tantamount to the relocalisation of the business rate and Chambers have made their opposition to this clear in response to Sir Michael Lyons inquiry'
