Core Cities

Martin Vickers Excerpts

Thursday 8th December 2011 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark]

That is explicitly referred to in the document. We want to give the opportunity for cities to engage in skills strategies and help to equip the next generation of workers to enable businesses to prosper. I have been clear in what I have said: while we are starting with the core cities, this should by no means be seen as an exclusive process and I want to extend these principles beyond that.

On the point about the ability to do this through LEPs, I think that the identity and strength of cities were submerged under the regional structure that we inherited. Having swept away the regional approach, we are giving life to the potential of these cities, as is being increasingly recognised.

[Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)]

I welcome the Minister’s announcement and the continuing devolution of powers to our local authorities. Like the hon. Member for Blackpool South (Mr Marsden), I represent a coastal constituency, and my constituents will be concerned that investment will be sucked into our cities to their disadvantage. Will the Minister assure me that other measures will be introduced that will help constituencies such as mine?

[Greg Clark]

My hon. Friend knows that coastal cities have been a particular focal point for the Government. As a considerable presence in his area, he will want to encourage his authority to make use of some of the powers that are generally available. It is right to recognise the importance of cities and what they can do, but one of the contributions that they can make is to revive the prosperity of areas even outside the city boundaries, and I am sure that that will be the case in and around the Humber.