In December the Govt annouced a plan to’set free’ eight cities by offering them power in return for accountability Follow the link to the first wave of city deals.
The intention is to invest in growth, improve local workers’ skills and create jobs, support local businesses, control budgets and improve critical infrastructure. The cities have agreed to put in place stronger, more accountable local leadership and to spend their resources more efficiently.
The eight cities and their surrounding areas are:

To deliver the approach, the government has set up a Cities Policy Unit based in the Cabinet Office. It will provide a tailored service to help cities develop creative new ideas and turn these into practical solutions on the ground. Hmmm did’nt we close a number a government departments to reduce red tape and have we now added a new one?