George Osborne’s announcement in the Budget was the culmination of 18 months’ work and negotiation by the City Council and its Greater Cambridge area partners for an innovative “gain share” scheme.
The City Deal will bring a government grant of up to £500 million which will unlock millions of pounds of additional, locally generated funding.
The City Deal has involved the City Council working with South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, the University of Cambridge and the Greater Cambridge and Peterborough Enterprise Partnership. All the organisations will be putting it to their respective decision making bodies over the next fortnight.
Cllr Bick said: “People trying to find a home and people spending an ever longer time in traffic are offered hope for the future with the result of this lengthy negotiation. Our otherwise stunningly successful local economy is in danger of being held back. This big extra infrastructure investment will speed the delivery of much needed housing developments outside the city and strengthen public transport and cycling options inside the city.
"The commitment by the three local councils for fully joined-up decision making over planning and transport policy enables real leadership for the area, recognising the natural unit of Greater Cambridge.”
Cambridge MP Julian Huppert said: “This is good news for Cambridge and the Greater Cambridge area.
“Cambridge is growing fast and we need the housing and infrastructure to make sure its success continues. The City Deal will allow us to invest money generated in our city to support that growth for the benefit of those living and working here.”
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CONTACT: Tim Bick – 07720 413173
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Bick welcomes government backing for City Deal
19 March 2014
Cambridge City Council Leader, Tim Bick has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement today (Wednesday, March 19) that the long-awaited City Deal can go-ahead, bringing £1 billion worth of investment in local infrastructure.