Plymouth to bid for new funding
PLYMOUTH could get a cash boost and "radical new powers" as part of a Government package aimed at creating growth and jobs.
Council chiefs are drawing up an "innovative" bid to claim decision-making powers from Whitehall, it has been revealed.
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Tudor Evans
The city is one of 20 urban areas which could be in line to sign a 'City Deal'.
The news comes as Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg pledged to pass "radical new powers" to local areas, devolving decision-making away from Westminster.
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The details of Plymouth's bid are being kept under wraps – but its leaders have promised to tackle the city's "major problems" if successful.
Ministers have already signed agreements with eight major cities worth millions of pounds. In the first wave of funding, Birmingham got £25million for a new medical centre while Liverpool was promised a whopping £75million to boost its economy.
Cities Minister Greg Clark will today announce plans to expand the scheme to up to 20 further cities across the country, including Plymouth.
Local authorities will be invited to draw up proposals stating what they want from the Government – and what they can offer in return – by January 15.
Council leader Tudor Evans said it was unlikely Plymouth would get a "big bag of cash".
But, despite remaining tight-lipped about the details, he promised a City Deal would be "transformational".
Cllr Evans said: "We have been working on ideas for a while now and are ready to work with our neighbours and partners to deliver growth in the sub-region."
Bid leaders declined to reveal which areas or sectors would be in line for the boost. However, The Herald understands one possibility could involve schemes such as the much-delayed Sherford New Town.
Cllr Evans would only say: "It's about having the freedom and flexibility to work creatively in partnership with other councils to deliver.
"We are looking at something transformational that will change the way councils do business together to try and create jobs and boost the economy in the travel-to-work area. We promise it will be exciting and will tackle the major problems in Plymouth."
Many cities have demanded the right to take responsibility for skills and training, ensuring workers have the expertise needed by local employers.
The City Deal bid has won cross-party support from city MPs.
"It's very important we act to re-balance Plymouth's economy," said Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Oliver Colvile.
Mr Clark added: "I would be particularly keen to have a City Deal for Plymouth because I know it's had disappointments with the airport.
"It has such fantastic assets in terms of experience in industries that are going to be very important in the future such as marine engineering."
Comment – Page 11
Comments
by ewan55
Monday, October 29 2012, 8:34PM
“I wait with baited breath to see this "innovative" bid, just when has a council ever been inovated ??? LOL, LOL, LOL.”
by PepelopeP
Monday, October 29 2012, 4:50PM
“Here's an idea, lets fill all the subways in and mix all the traffic lanes up around the embankment to cause traffic congestion throughout the city centre.
We can then spend the rest of the money on Devonport and maybe if anything is left rebuild Seaton Barracks swimming pool on the airport site – yeah why would any city want an airport – that just helps to create jobs in the private sector, but us Liebour types just want everyone on benefits so that we can control the masses.”
by MPstink1
Monday, October 29 2012, 4:32PM
“Wind bag Evans.....useless waste of space.”
by LucyLastick
Monday, October 29 2012, 3:41PM
“More double-speak from Comrade Evans but he'll probably spend any extra money on lots of white paint so he can put in more bus lanes and buy another job lot of traffic lights.”
by Winstonsmith0
Monday, October 29 2012, 2:45PM
“As always; 'could', 'might', 'maybe'!
The most innovative ideas I have yet seen from politicians is the reasoning for expenses claims.
'Keeping it under wraps' is another way of saying there are no ideas yet strong enough to stand up to public scrutiny.
As for tackling the city's "major problems" what, in the opinion of the current council leader, are these 'major problems? Inequality? Deprivation in some areas? Poor health? or perhaps not having a statue or some massive building with a foundation stone bearing the name Tudor Evans?
And would the other leader; dear Viv, consider the city to have different 'major problems'?
Would either of them give a tosh about what the people of Plymouth consider to be 'major problems'? I doubt it.
It wont be a 'big bag of cash' says Tudor, but it will be 'transformational' for Plymouth. Great, that probably means another road project or something else to guarantee Plymouth's demise.
The shiny new incinerator is 'transformational' - it will transform the health of most citizens for generations to come! Laira bridge roadworks have been 'transformational' - they have transformed the income of local businesses from 'just able to survive' to 'barely enough to pay the staff'! So let's see what our beloved council have planned for us next.
Plymouth; space of waste!”
by trudie2010
Monday, October 29 2012, 2:15PM
“Just what we need to cheer us up, Cllr Evans with more power,!!”
by blackpot
Monday, October 29 2012, 1:11PM
“Please dont give these muppets more powers,please God dont let it be :(”
by willems
Monday, October 29 2012, 12:56PM
“Tudor Evans,and Oliver Colvile. The masters of meaningless jabber.”
by Asyouwouldbedoneby
Monday, October 29 2012, 11:16AM
“You can rely on Cllr Evans to deliver council tax increases.”
by Smart Home Protection Ltd
Monday, October 29 2012, 11:16AM
“Cllr Evans would only say: "It's about having the freedom and flexibility to work creatively in partnership with other councils to deliver.
More waste then!!!!!!!!”