West & North Yorkshire Chamber responds to Government proposals for fiscal devolution

Responding to No10’s plans to hand Mayors a greater share of locally generated tax revenue, Mark Casci, Head of Representation and Policy, 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.  

“The real test will be whether firms in communities across England, both within and outside strategic authorities, see stronger conditions for trade, investment and productivity.  

“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.  

“Chambers have for decades been place-based institutions and as such are oven ready to play their part and contribute to making devolution a positive success.  They are rooted in their economies and communities and can turn real-time business intelligence into practical growth solutions. 

“Both West and North Yorkshire have had mayors now for some time so are accustomed to making key decision at pace in their regions. 

“West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce stands by to ensure businesses have a strong voice in local growth plans, so that devolved funding truly delivers growth everywhere.”