CITY leaders say their needs are not been represented well enough on a national level, according to a new survey.

The inaugural UK City Leaders’ Survey asked the elected leaders of the UK’s largest urban areas about their ambitions and frustrations on issues such as Brexit, devolution, the upcoming Spending Review and housing.

Eighty-four per cent of leaders surveyed responded that their needs are not sufficiently represented at the national level, while just 22 per cent rated their current relationship with Government Ministers as ‘positive’.

Apprenticeships, transport and infrastructure and borrowing for housing were identified as key areas where devolution would have the greatest positive local impact.

Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, said: “Westminster is preoccupied, but it needs to listen to the urban voices this survey amplifies.

"City leaders are rightly ambitious about supporting the needs of their local areas, and they have specific expectations when it comes to Brexit, so Government needs to set out what ‘taking back control’ means for cities."

He added: "Most importantly, the government needs to send a message to city leaders that their voices are being heard on the national stage. These leaders are the best-placed to bridge some of the growing economic and social divides taking hold of the country."