SWINDON has joined four other ‘fast-growth cities’ to make the case for more powers from government so they can reach their full potential.

The Centre for Cities thinktank has created a report which identifies the economic benefit they all bring to the country and the constraints which limit them.

As well as Swindon, leaders Milton Keynes, Norwich, Oxford and Cambridge have also been identified as having similar qualities.

The group, which was officially launched on Tuesday afternoon, is a call for these cities, as they are referred to in the report, not to be forgotten in the Government’s devolution agenda.

The report outlining their case reads: “There is considerable appetite among the Fast Growth Cities to address their challenges and continue to grow. However, the cities find that current government policies restrict their efforts and therefore the opportunities for future growth that they offer.

“Each city has the potential to sustain its current performance and contribution to the UK economy if given the right policies and support. These need to be targeted at overcoming the challenges presented by a growing population and a strong economy.”

Within the report, which Swindon Borough Council has contributed to, are a number of facts which highlight what the town brings to the economy. In 2014/15 each worker generated £7,000 more in tax than was spent on them by the Government, above the national average.

The start-up business rate is twice the national rate and the weekly wage is also above the national average.

But when combined with a population increase of 17.6 per cent in the past decade, this has created pressures.

Funding for infrastructure improvements is a big issue as more people travel to Swindon, clogging up the roads.

However, the report highlights how planning for new roads is done on a short-term basis due to funding, limiting a long-term strategy.

Swindon Borough Council has said it especially wants to be able to develop its link with the M4, which is the source of many problems, even potentially creating a new junction.

Borrowing limits on local authorities hampers their ability to develop land for business and housing, as has been done in Wichelstowe, while the cities also want more powers to help plug growing skills shortages, especially as Swindon has seen the second highest growth of highly-skilled knowledge-based jobs.

Council leader David Renard went to the House of Commons for the launch event and said he hopes it will lead to a more thriving Swindon.

“The government agenda so far has been about the Northern Powerhouse and large counties and it was felt we were the areas producing consistently high growth but our voice was being lost.

“When you look at the top cities and towns we are all consistently in the top ten.

“What we want is to not be forgotten as we have a clear potential to enhance that growth but we need the tools to do it. We have our challenges but Swindon has a lot going for it.

“The feeling within the group is we can get that message across better as group rather than just on our own.”

Officers from each location will now meet to put together exact proposals to put to the government.

The group was officially launched by South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, who will also act as spokesman for the group.

He said: “I was delighted to make the case not only for Swindon but all the members of this initiative. Although they are different, they contribute immensely to the economy and there is a shared sense of purpose.

“They are a powerhouse in the south and I welcome them working together. Anything that increases the volume of Swindon’s voice is a good thing, “I look forward to seeing the exact proposals and making the group’s case.”