UK cities have poor skills and productivity compared to their European counterparts

Centre for Cities research has shown that nine in ten UK cities have worse productivity and skills than European city average. Chief Executive, Alexandra Jones said that this showed Government should “build on its devolution agenda”.

The research found that only Oxford and Cambridge are in the top 20 European cities for innovation. Jones argues that “any new funding commitments in the Autumn Statement [should] focus on boosting the key drivers of growth in cities, such as skills, transport and housing.”

A Government spokesman, according to the Scotsman, suggested continued devolution deals would be a promising way forward, saying “our landmark devolution deals – backed up by billions of pounds of Government investment – are giving local people unprecedented powers to drive forward growth in their area.”