The research found that combined authorities were becoming an increasingly attractive option for councils as they deal with funding shortfalls. 78 per cent responded saying that squeezes on infrastructure investment were becoming a major barrier to growth, while 54 per cent believed central government control over funding was also limiting growth.
48 per cent of respondents wanted to see responsibility for economic development devolved to individual district level, along with the 47 per cent that wanted to be a part of a combined authority, indicating a number of districts believe they can strengthen local economies through greater devolution of powers.
Neil Clarke, chairman of the District Councils’ Network, said: “District councils are determined to bring the fruits of devolution to non-metropolitan parts of England and work with partners to pull the levers of growth and opportunity for the people, places and businesses for which we are responsible.
“To do so effectively, however, obstacles to growth must be overcome, including the shortage of infrastructure funding, Whitehall’s control over the purse strings for growth schemes and landbanking by developers.”
The technology secretary had announced a new blueprint for AI regulation in a bid to improve public services.
The government has announced a tech boost of £20 million each for Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Glasgow City Region.
Welsh government funding for fuel vouchers is helping to keep families warm across the country.
In the last six months, more than 131,000 potholes across 266 miles of road in Wales have been fixed or prevented.
The government has announced an £80 million package for support to help get people back into work.
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Join us for the landmark 10th Anniversary of the London Build Expo, the UK’s largest and most influential construction and design show.
Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo returns to Excel London across 12-13 November, once again bringing together the world of logistics, supply chain, eCommerce and retail innovation for two dynamic days of opportunity.
Every sport, from grassroots football to world-class tournaments, depends on one constant: high-quality playing surfaces and well-maintained green spaces.
Bauder marked a major milestone in its UK expansion with the official handover of a brand
At Words of World, we specialise in professional translation and interpreting, d
The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) and the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) have successfully completed a groundbreaking project aimed at exploring the future of cleaning. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the cleaning industry, reflecting a shared commitment to embracing innovation with confidence.
The Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) new framework on Language Services (RM6302), dealing with translation, transcription and interpreting, is live, running from 7th May 2025 to 6th May 2028.
