DevoManc ‘must not be a drain on region’

Geoff White

A SURVEYORS’ leader has warned that Manchester mustn’t become a ‘mini-London’, draining talent and resources from the rest of northern England.

Geoff White, northern policy manager for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), welcomed the Government’s regional devolution moves, along with plans to raise productivity, including changing the planning system to encourage more development.

But he said planning changes must not ignore local communities — and the Westminster establishment must not drag its heels over English regional devolution.

Mr White was commenting on the recent Government report on productivity, called Fixing the Foundations, and the “hard-won” new devolved powers for Greater Manchester.

Mr White said: “Devolution has taken years of work and strong leadership to get the 10 Greater Manchester authorities working as one. There is a real concern in the regions that the pace of change will be slowed by the reluctance of Government to part with powers and budget responsibility. It must not be allowed to hold back positive change.

“And while Greater Manchester fully deserves the new responsibilities and funding, there is the potential to create another London, with the city economy racing ahead and draining talent and resources from surrounding areas across the North and Midlands.

“It’s vital that other city regions acquire similar powers as soon as possible - and that Greater Manchester makes good on its intentions that future prosperity will be shared across a much wider area.”