ACE has shared the latest iteration in its series of 2023 Manifesto’s, outlining the policy aspirations and priorities for the North West of England and the Midlands. Both documents will underpin political engagement and advocacy over the next 12 months.

The two regional manifestos are released following the launch of ACEs 2023 UK Manifesto earlier this year. Both documents are aimed at policy makers and stakeholders in and around the North West and Midlands.

At the recent spring budget, the UK Government announced new “trailblazer” devolution deals with Greater Manchester and the West Midlands as part of the levelling up agenda.  The deals outline plans to devolve additional powers and funding, as well as a “single departmental-style settlement” at the 2025 Spending Review. The new arrangements also include plans for further joint working between the Government and local areas.

Both documents share a number of recommendations – which are organised in line with ACE's Blueprint themes – to unleash the potential of the built environment across the regions in England.

Commenting on release of both manifesto’s ACE CEO Stephen Marcos Jones said: “Whether meeting Net Zero commitments and targets, delivering on promises for regional development, or driving economic growth while boosting productivity, our members’ work enables political ambitions to be turned into tangible projects and programmes.”

“In return, our members need long-term plans and political stability to ensure they can access the skills, financial resource and capacity to deliver what is expected of them.”

The Manifesto’s have been created to provide a platform for ACE’s engagement on behalf of its members and the industry. Written with the expert input of its member-led committees, they also provide a framework for activity at ACE in 2023 and beyond.

Guto Davies, UK Head of Policy at ACE, said: “Regional devolution in England is playing an increasingly important part in the policy making process of the UK. Our policy and advocacy activity spans right across the UK, so I am delighted to see the launch of these documents.

“This is a major achievement and shows we take very seriously the importance and opportunities of devolution. We’re looking forward to taking this platform to stakeholders.

Andrew Gladstone-Heighton, ACEs Policy and Advocacy Officer for the Regional Committees said: “Throughout the development of these documents, we’ve been working with Combined Authorities and other regional delivery bodies. There is huge appetite across the English regions to work with our sector and ACE members.

“I look forward to working with our members and key decision makers and stakeholders to deliver on many of the policy asks outlined in these documents.”

The Manifestos will play a major part in the programme of each regional committee in 2023, with roundtable sessions exploring many of the key recommendations.

To get involved in ACE's Committees in the North West or Midlands, please contact Andrew Gladstone-Heighton.

Find out more about ACE’s policy activity. Download your copy of the Devolved Manifestos below.