Greater Manchester confirmed as UK’s economic second city region

Chancellor George Osborne

Greater Manchester’s economic output is second only to Greater London’s among recognised city regions – and will remain so even if the seven councils in and around Birmingham choose to co-operate.

Devo-City, a report published today (2 December) by Public Service Intelligence, reveals that Greater Manchester is the largest city region outside London recognised by Parliament as a combined authority, with £51bn of gross value added economic activity in 2012 and 2.7m people.

The five councils that make up Birmingham and the Black Country have already agreed to form a combined authority like Greater Manchester’s. If Solihull and Coventry also join, the resulting group will be Britain’s second city region by population, with 2.8m people. However, its total workplace economy of £49bn would still not outstrip Greater Manchester’s on current data.

Chancellor George Osborne granted extensive ‘Devo Manc’ powers and funds to Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities in November, as part of a deal that will see the city region elect a single mayor. He is expected to discuss city devolution in his Autumn Statement on Wednesday.