15 February 2008
Almost half of business leaders do not think councils should be given new tax-raising powers to fund major projects, according to a poll.
The survey, published by the think-tank Centre for Cities in conjunction with PricewaterhouseCoopers, found that 46% of local business leaders objected to the idea of more tax-raising powers for local authorities.
Centre for Cities said this finding was indicative of a lack of trust between businesses and local government, which could be a barrier to further devolution.
Centre for Cities director Dermot Finch said: 'Both businesses and local authorities need to be bolder about working together to bridge the gaps in local investment. And cities should give businesses a greater say on how locally raised funds are spent.'
The survey, published on February 6, asked 122 public and private sector leaders in England's towns and cities for their views on the use of new financial tools being introduced to boost local economic growth.
It highlighted a generally positive attitude towards greater financial devolution.
PFfeb2008
