Plan for new "city regions"

Plans to create new 'city regions' in the North West to boost jobs, transport, investment and housing have been approved by the Government.

Communities secretary Hazel Blears unveiled the plan to create new links between areas in four sub-regions of the North West.

Greater Manchester, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan in a sub-regional Multi Area Agreement (MAA).

Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, Wirral and Halton will comprise another city region, as will Blackburn, Lancashire and Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley and Blackpool, Lancashire, Fylde and Wyre.

The four are part of 13 such schemes unveiled to help boost economic development and links between neighbouring urban areas linked by major commuter routes.

The scheme aims to help local government escape from traditional structural boundaries and deliver solutions that cover entire commuter routes, housing and employment markets for the first time.

Currently councils have only limited powers to collaborate on specific transport issues. The Government will explore the scope for extending powers in areas such as regeneration, jobs, skills, housing and environmental protections.

Local Government Minister John Healey said: "As the State of English Cities report showed last year, our cities are back but need to do better if they are to enter the premier league of top performing cities in Europe and beyond.

"That is why alongside new financial freedoms we are putting in place we must also ensure that our cities are able to build relationships with businesses, reach out beyond administrative boundaries and deliver not just services but improved opportunities to people though jobs, skills, investment, housing and transport."PL

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