Bristol Festival of Ideas
A collection of articles, images, videos and more linked to events in the Bristol Festival of Ideas ongoing programme. Written and edited by Andrew Kelly, Director of the festival, and Amy O'Beirne, Festival of the Future City, with guest contributions. Comments are the views of authors and not of Bristol Festival of Ideas nor Bristol Cultural Development Partnership. The Bristol Festival of Ideas is run in association with the Observer and the University of Bristol.

Festival of the Future City: City Growth Commission: Unleashing Metro Growth

Cities can take a new role in our political economy, creating stronger, more inclusive and sustainable growth in the UK.

Key recommendations outline a significant shift – from the centre to metros – in policy and finance, enabling metro leaders to:

  • Coordinate resources across their city-region and make strategic policy and finance decisions via place-based budgeting and investment strategy.
  • Make more informed and responsive decisions based on evaluation of local data and evidence.
  • Develop effective ways of integrating public service reform and economic development.
  • Have greater flexibility over their spending and borrowing arrangements, including: multi-year finance settlements, retention of a proportion of the tax proceeds of growth, and freedom for the most devolved metros to set and fully retain a suite of taxes.

Furthermore, metros should be represented in national decision making, bringing forward measures to enhance connectivity and growth, including:

  • A comprehensive review on how our current and future needs for digital infrastructure can be met
  • Accelerated connectivity between metros in the North, Midlands and other ‘super city-regions’.

Full report HERE.

Festival of the Future City takes place 18-20 November 2015 as part of Bristol 2015 European Green Capital. The festival is supported by Arts Council England, Bristol City Council, Future Cities Catapult, University of the West of England, and Business West. The festival is also part of Bristol Festival of Ideas, run in partnership with the Observer and University of Bristol. Further details will be released in spring 2015.