Andrew Carter, chief executive at the Centre for Cities

“Cities are where the national economy happens. We have long argued for places up and down the country to have more certainty and long term funding to invest in infrastructure, as the National Infrastructure Assessment rightly recommends.

“That is why we are delighted to be part of the commission’s initiative, to offer cities extra support and advice, and to share the lessons of this work with places more widely.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority

“It’s extremely positive news that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is among the few metropolitan areas across the country that has been chosen as a case study for the National Infrastructure Commission’s programme.

“Last month I had the opportunity to welcome Sir John Armitt and National Infrastructure Commission colleagues to West Yorkshire for a meaningful discussion about our requirements and plans for infrastructure across the Leeds City Region, as well as setting out detail of our investment priorities.

“As part of our £1 billion Growth Deal we have a programme of transport network improvements schemes underway across West Yorkshire and the wider Leeds City Region, designed to create opportunities for new jobs and housing and to prepare for the arrival of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail with stops in Bradford City Centre, Leeds and York.

“This new partnership will enable us to combine our local knowledge and expertise of developing an integrated programme of strategic infrastructure projects with the Commission’s expert advice, to maximise the effectiveness of our investment, and to share our valuable experience with other towns and cities.”

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City Region

“We are very pleased to have been selected to work with the National Infrastructure Commission.  We agree wholeheartedly with their assertion that additional funding and powers should be devolved to Metro Mayors so we can develop and deliver long-term strategies for our areas.

“The support we will receive from the National Infrastructure Commission dovetails very neatly with work we are already doing around improving local transport, creating inclusive growth for our communities and delivering new homes and I am confident that together we will be able to demonstrate the case for further devolution and long-term certainty over funding.”

Cllr Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council

“We have consistently said that if Basildon is to grow in a way that can be sustained and made to work for all our communities we have to put the development of the infrastructure needed to support that growth first.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us and for our county council colleagues to drive this work forward with the support of national expertise.”

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure at Essex County Council

“We are delighted that Basildon has been selected by the National Infrastructure Commission as one of only five locations nationally to work in partnership to deliver joined-up urban infrastructure for the future.

“Basildon is one of the main areas of our county that is experiencing rapid growth. With thousands of new homes being built over the coming years, it is vital we have a long-term strategy in place to prepare for this.

“Working collaboratively in this way is also reflective of our shared commitment to unlock the obvious economic opportunities across the borough. This will not only benefit Basildon, but Essex as a whole. I look forward to working with Basildon and National Infrastructure Commission colleagues going forward to ensure the county remains a great place to live and work.”

Karime Hassan, Exeter City Council Chief Executive and Growth Director

“Exeter is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, with one of the largest travel to work areas.

“Infrastructure challenges present the biggest obstacle to realising further growth in this dynamic city region.

“We are excited to work with the National Infrastructure Commission on addressing these challenges in an innovative and ambitious manner.”

Cllr Matthew Holmes, Cabinet Member for Leadership, Regeneration and Public Protection, Derby City Council 

“The Commission’s National Infrastructure Assessment, published this year, championed the need for long-term planning and stable funding for our national infrastructure.

“I am very pleased that Derby has been invited by the National Infrastructure Commission to become one of their case study cites.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with such a highly regarded, independent body.  I believe Derby will benefit greatly from their expert challenge and advice to refresh our current plans and create something that better prepares us for the future.  Understanding our future needs integrating transport, housing and employment to better spread the benefits of growth.”