Council leaders urge "real fiscal devolution to grow local economies" in Queen's Speech

On the eve of the Queen's Speech council leaders in England have urged that devolution that goes further than managing devolved budgets from Whitehall, but allows the ability to raise and spend money, as in Scotland.

Birmingham City Council's chief executive urged the Government to take the opportunity to "liberate our cities to be the drivers of economic growth," including by allowing a "much greater percentage" of business rates raised, it was reported. The Local Government Information Unit, which has focused lobbying on extending devolution to areas outside the conurbations, also called for devolution on offer to conurbations to entail more than "just to manage devolved budgets from central Government".

The Chancellor has said there will be a Cities Devolution Bill in the Queen's Speech tomorrow. There will also be a Scotland Bill to implement the recommendations of the Smith Commission on additional powers for Scotland. The Prime Minister undertook to deliver the promised devolution of powers after last week meeting the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who wants Number 10 to go further is pushing for full fiscal autonomy.