Cities: Economic Development

Lord Davies of Oldham Excerpts

Monday 6th February 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Oldham]

My Lords, it is all very well for the Minister to say that we must get growth in the cities, but she will be all too well aware that the distribution of resources from central government is to the disfavour of our northern cities, in particular, in favour of southern shire counties. Is she not greatly concerned that northern cities are not only losing out on the devolution settlement, which helps Wales and Scotland, but in fact are being disfavoured compared with the rest of England?

[Baroness Hanham]

My Lords, there are many northern cities that are involved in the cities programme—the cities deal. I know that consultation discussions are taking place with them on what is required for the future. The distribution of the grant, of course, is done against our formula.