The appeal has been made through the Fast Growth Cities partnership, which includes Swindon, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Norwich, Oxford and Peterborough.
All six councils are Labour led or Labour run administrations. The joint approach sees Labour-controlled authorities writing directly to Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves to press the case for investment.
The councils say the economic argument stands on its own merits. However, the political alignment forms part of the backdrop to the request.
Collectively, the six cities represent around two per cent of the UK population. They generate £34bn in global exports and attract about 10 per cent of all UK venture capital investment.
Analysis by consultancy Public First suggests that, if productivity is maintained and pre-pandemic employment growth returns, the partnership could add £21bn in real Gross Value Added by 2035. That figure could rise to £78bn by 2050.
The councils argue that without government action on transport, housing and utilities, that growth could be limited.
In Swindon, the report highlights high productivity, strong private-sector employment and relatively affordable housing as strengths.
The council is seeking early public investment to unlock key town centre sites under its Heart of Swindon Vision regeneration programme. It is also requesting capital funding for a proposed 1,200-seat and 2,000-standing entertainment venue to support regeneration.
Support is being sought for complex estate-based social housing renewal, improvements to rail affordability and delivery of committed and proposed enhancements, including Oxford to Bristol links and Midlands Connect schemes. Upgrades to electricity grid capacity are also being requested to prevent utilities from restricting growth.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“Swindon is one of the fastest growing and most productive places in the country, with a strong private sector and a proven track record in attracting investment.
“But we know that with continued strong backing from government, we can maximise our potential even further, really deliver for UK PLC alongside our Thames Valley partners and get back to being the fastest growing town in Europe.”
The letter urges the Chancellor to view investment in Fast Growth Cities as strategic national investment in high-performing urban economies, rather than redistribution.
Swindon Borough Council said it hopes to secure a meeting with the Chancellor in the coming weeks to discuss how it and its partner cities can support national growth ambitions.
