PBR: Greater Manchester to be driver of UK low carbon economy

Alistair Hayman, Regen.net, 9 December 2009

As expected, Alistair Darling confirmed in the PBR that deals had been struck with Greater Manchester and Greater Leeds to enable the two northern powerhouses to pilot statutory city-region status, giving their constituent councils more control over regeneration and economic development spending.

The Leeds city-region was launched last month and gives the 11 constituent local authorities more controls of housing, regeneration, transport and adult skills spending. But Manchester’s deal has yet to be launched.

Darling said the Greater Manchester pilot would see the city-region designated as a low-carbon economic area (LCEA) specialising in the built
environment.

LCEAs aim to pull together national, local and regional agencies to focus on accelerating the growth of low carbon industries, skills base and supply chain. To date the Government has said the South-West of England and the three Northern regions would be designated as LCEAs.
Darling added that Greater Manchester would also take on new powers over adult skills and a stronger role on 16-19 learning, apprenticeships and transport.

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