Giving Mayors greater financial powers could be a “game changer” for regional growth, a business leader has said.
Mark Casci, head of representation and policy at the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed No10’s plans to hand Mayors a greater share of locally generated tax revenue.
Mr Casci said: “Having more fiscal power devolved to the regions is a game changer for overcoming Britain’s overly centralised decision-making process and can help unlock growth for UK PLC.
“It means we can focus on the practical barriers businesses face every day; from skills and transport to infrastructure and planning.”
He stressed that success would depend on whether businesses “see stronger conditions for trade, investment and productivity” in communities across England, both within and outside strategic authorities.
Businesses must also have a say in decision-making from the outset, Mr Casci stressed.
He said: “This can only happen if business insight is built into local decision-making from the start, not an afterthought when the main decisions have already been made.”
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The chamber is ready to play a key role in supporting the success of devolution, Mr Casci said.
He added: “Both West and North Yorkshire have had mayors now for some time so are accustomed to making key decision at pace in their regions.”
