20 Nov 2025
Some of Glasgow’s largest employers have united to call for increased long-term funding for the Glasgow City Region ahead of what is expected to be a crucial UK Autumn Budget.
At a Parliamentary Reception hosted by Maureen Burke MP for Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in Westminster, business leaders urged the UK Government to bring Glasgow’s funding levels in line with those of Manchester and other English city regions.
The Glasgow City Region, which encompasses Glasgow City and seven surrounding local authority areas, is seeking a move towards a single, long-term funding settlement to replace the current project-by-project bidding process.
The Westminster visit follows a recent major cross-party proposal from Glasgow City Region leaders urging the UK and Scottish governments to agree a £400 million-a-year, Manchester-style devolution settlement.
The proposal set out that Glasgow and its surrounding council areas need a single, long-term funding settlement that matches the ‘trailblazer’ deals secured in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Regional leaders say such a shift would unlock growth, allowing the Region to plan and deliver large-scale projects more effectively and build on the success of the £1.13 billion City Deal and other major programmes.
The call from the business community comes as a timely reminder ahead of the Autumn Budget that opportunities for regional economic growth should remain central to the Chancellor’s agenda.
Glasgow is one of the UK’s most significant engines of future prosperity with several infrastructure projects and sector specialisms that could support the generation of thousands of new jobs.
As part of the Westminster event and courtesy of long-term Glasgow investor Landsec, the Glasgow 850 logo was illuminated on the Piccadilly Lights, celebrating the city’s landmark anniversary year.
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said: “This Autumn Budget will be a pivotal one for businesses, particularly those driving Glasgow’s high-growth sectors.
“Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, has described this Budget as ‘make or break’ for many firms; a stark reminder of the fragility of the UK’s economic recovery.
“The regional mayors in England have shown that taking a central, long-term approach to funding and devolving the responsibility for delivering it to local authorities can have transformational results.
“Our city is home to some of the UK’s most dynamic, high-growth businesses. A sustained, strategic funding approach would give them the resilience and certainty they need to thrive, creating jobs and driving the next phase of national growth.”
Parliamentary host Maureen Burke MP said: "It was an honour to welcome Glasgow Chamber of Commerce to Parliament to celebrate the vital work that they do to support business, innovation and growth across our city.
"The UK Government is a champion of business and is working to make sure that growth is felt in every region and every community across Britain - I hope we can continue a meaningful partnership between Government, Parliamentarians and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce."
