The region’s four largest business groups and some of its biggest companies have called on local councils to give the go-ahead to plans to win devolved powers and funding from central government.
Business West, the CBI, IoD and the FSB – along with the bosses of some of the West of England’s largest employers – have written to the local authorities and the Mayor of Bristol encouraging them to pass the devolution deal outlined in last month’s Budget as soon as possible.
Executives from major companies in the region also signed the letter, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Bristol Airport, Wessex Water, GKN Aerospace and Bristol Port.
In a letter to the leaders and bosses express their strong support for the ambitious devolution deal.
“While we believe the West of England has a successful economy and a bright future, we are concerned about declining productivity, skills shortages, inadequate transport infrastructure, congestion and the spiralling cost of housing. These issues are constraining our businesses now, increasing our costs and impacting on the lives of our employees,” the letter says.
“We believe this devolution deal will create the foundations to achieve a real and sustainable economic boost to the region, providing significant funding and more local autonomy and control over powers and resources. In particular, the devolution deal will provide access to new Government grants worth £900m to invest in much needed infrastructure including funding and powers to deliver key projects across the region that are being developed now under the Joint Spatial Plan. We can also see merit in more joined up working in the areas of planning, housing, transport and skills and closer cooperation with Government on promoting trade and investment in the region.
“We understand the deal on offer still has to be approved by a Full Council of each authority. We have confidence that this structure will work well for all four councils. It builds on the successful joint working relationships that currently exist and strengthen the position and profile of the West of England with central Government and with businesses and other stakeholders, nationally and internationally.
“We therefore strongly encourage you to support this devolution deal. We believe it is in the best long-term interests of this region, our employees and your constituents.”
