The Government should do more to devolve power to the regions, key Birmingham business leaders were told.

At a meeting of the council of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCI) held at the offices of AWM, bosses were given an outline about the “Sub National Review,” the Government’s latest proposal for giving local authorities and regional agencies power to support their objectives to encourage economic growth and tackle deprivation at every level.

The discussion was led by Jerry Blackett, chief executive at the BCI; Bridget Blow, BCI vice-president; Mick Laverty, chief executive of Advantage West Midlands; and Grant Shapps, shadow housing minister.

Mr Blackett told the meeting: “A focused, streamlined, evidence-based regional strategy covering economic, housing, planning and transport issues could help to deliver the Government’s ambitions.

“However, more must be done to ensure that RDAs are more business focused in their activities and have a sharper strategic economic focus.

It is also important that they are allowed to continue to utilise the expertise of non-RDA and local authority partners, such as business, to improve regional strategies and decision-making.”