Edinburgh has become the 12th member of Core Cities UK, a group that claims to champion urban policy change—but critics might ask whether another talking shop is really what the capital needs.
The Scottish capital now sits alongside cities like Leeds, Manchester, and Cardiff in an organisation that’s been around for three decades, yet remains little known outside policy circles. Its mission? To influence national agendas on issues like devolution, inclusive growth, and urban development—broad, lofty goals that often sound better in theory than in execution.
Despite being one of the UK’s most economically successful cities, Edinburgh still struggles with glaring inequalities, including poverty, homelessness, and a growing cost-of-living crisis. Council Leader Jane Meagher framed the city’s membership as a chance to “solve collective problems” through collaboration. But given the scale of Edinburgh’s challenges, some might wonder what real solutions this alliance can offer beyond more reports, roundtables, and press releases.
“We still face many of the same urban challenges as our partners,” Meagher said, highlighting issues like housing shortages and public service pressures. Yet these problems have persisted for years in other Core Cities—so what exactly has the group achieved that Edinburgh can’t do alone?
One touted benefit is the city’s experience with its forthcoming tourism levy, which could offer a model for other members. But again, it’s unclear whether this policy alone justifies joining a network that has operated largely under the radar for decades, despite its claims of influence.
Cllr James Lewis, Chair of Core Cities UK, called Edinburgh’s entry “an historic moment” and said the group now represents more than 22 million people and 25% of the UK economy. Still, for all the fanfare, Core Cities UK has no formal power and often overlaps with other organisations already vying for influence in the crowded landscape of British urban policy.
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Manchester, the group works with think tanks like the RSA and OECD and maintains relationships with private sector giants such as Landsec and Lloyds Banking Group. But again, the tangible impact of these ties remains vague.
As Core Cities prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer, Edinburgh’s decision to sign on raises a broader question: is this a meaningful step toward solving urgent urban crises—or just another layer of bureaucracy dressed up as progress?
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