By Nick Mann | 2 November 2011
Residents of the 12 cities where the government plans to create directly elected mayors are being asked which powers the new representatives should be given and how they could be subject to public scrutiny.
The consultation, launched yesterday by cities minister Greg Clark, follows the government’s commitment in the Coalition Agreement to create directly elected mayors in the 12 largest English cities outside London.
What can a mayor do for your city? aims to ensure the elected mayors have powers properly suited to local circumstances, rather than imposing a standard set of powers across all affected cities.
Commenting on the consultation, Clark said: ‘Evidence from London and beyond shows the difference elected mayors can make. They can provide strong and visible leadership, and take the tough decisions needed to attract jobs and investment for the future.
‘Every city has its own unique needs, identity and character. There's no such thing as a "one size fits all" mayor – they should be able to do whatever it takes to get to grips with the local challenges and help their city flourish. That's why I'm asking the people who live and work in our 12 largest cities – what could a mayor do for you?"
Each mayoral position will be created following a local referendum and the elected mayors will be subject to scrutiny by councillors.
A mayor was recently elected in Leicester and referendums are now planned for the other 11 cities in May 2012.
The cities are: Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Nottingham, Sheffield and Wakefield.
The consultation runs until January 3 2012.
