Shadow chancellor George Osborne has called for more investment in suburbs.

In a speech at the launch of a report by the Tory-leaning think tank Policy Exchange, Osborne said: "If you go to the suburbs there has been a decay of suburban life."

Pointing to a contrast with the city centre regeneration that has taken place, Osborne called for action to tackle rundown suburban parks.

He also maintained the Conservative party's support for giving councils greater power over land use.

He said: "We support giving local communities a much greater say in the development of their area and make them responsible for balancing the interests of existing home owners and their children.

"We have to show people that they have an interest in allowing development."

The Policy Exchange report recommends scrapping development plans and offering councils greater tax incentives to encourage growth.

Postscript

Do you agree there should be more suburban investment? Email building@cmpinformation.com