READING is one of two new entrants in the Key Cities network, which represents the country’s urban areas.
There are 25 members , including the other newcomer, Colchester.
The network works with cities, towns and organisations across local government and beyond in a bid to deliver prosperity, protect the environment and raise standards of living. It advocates for the future of the UK’s urban centres by producing research, responding to consultations and engaging with politicians and policy makers.
The network says that Reading’s entry will help strengthen its capacity to influence national policy, share and scale new ideas, and drive economic and social growth.
Cllr John Merry, Key Cities Chair and Deputy Mayor for Salford, said: “Our collective voice is powerful in demonstrating the opportunities and challenges our cities face via the range, expertise and agility across the members.
“The decision for Colchester and Reading to join Key Cities is a testament to the value of our network in making a positive difference, and we very much look forward to working with them.”
And the leader of Reading Borough Council, Cllr Jason Brock, said that joining Key Cities offered the town the opportunity to build on its success by working alongside other local authority partners more closely.
“Reading is a town of contrasts,” he said.
“Our powerful economy and areas of affluence, sit alongside some of the most deprived communities in the country, and tackling these stark inequalities is at the heart of everything we do as a Council.
“I hope that by coming together as a collective we can present a compelling case to central Government about the real need to level up our communities, and learn from each other as we strive to deliver our aspirations.”
