UK cities have been clobbered by austerity. They need a champion | Richard Vize

As Brexit barrels on, politicians must stop blustering about trade and work on policy priorities such as education and transport

This week's report spelling out the calamitous impact of austerity on our major cities shows that much of the current debate over public policy is looking in the wrong place for answers.

Thanks to Northamptonshire county council blowing up its own finances, Surrey using its muscle within the Conservative party to highlight the damage being done by cuts, and areas such as Somerset facing serious difficulties, an impression has been created that English shires are suffering the most pain under austerity.

Related: Deprived northern regions worst hit by UK austerity, study finds

Related: Witless ministers have hammered councils like austerity punchbags | Richard Vize

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