Government announces devolution white paper

The government has announced the English Devolution White Paper, which plans to make devolution the default across a range of government policy areas.

Measures include plans for new powers for mayors across strategic planning.

There are also proposals to create ‘strategic authorities’ across England, bringing together councils over areas that people live and work in, to avoid duplication.

The white paper includes plans to give Mayors unprecedented powers to drive growth turbocharge housebuilding and improve transport in a transformative ‘devolution revolution’.

England's regions will be put at centre stage in the government's Plan for Change missions to grow the economy, deliver the 1.5 million homes and infrastructure we need, and boost opportunity across the country.  

Under the plans in the White Paper, Mayors will take a more direct role in plans for their areas than ever before, equipped with a range of new powers across strategic planning, housing, transport and skills.

Mayors in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region and the North East will be the first to receive new integrated funding settlements, covering housing, regeneration, local growth, transport, skills, retrofit and employment support.  

Deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing, communities and local government Angela Rayner said: “Devolution is about delivering fundamental change at every level. It’s about giving local leaders the tools – and the trust – they need to forge their areas’ futures.

“It’s about raising living standards, improving public services and building the homes we so desperately need – all key aspects of our Plan for Change. It cuts across every aspect of government.

“We have an economy that hoards potential and a politics that hoards power. So our devolution revolution will deliver the greatest transfer of power from Whitehall to our communities in a generation, empowering those communities to realise their potential. And nobody is more excited about it than I am.”

In response to the announcement, Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association, said: "We want every council in England to be able to secure devolution that works for them, their local economies, and their residents. While different areas will have strong views on what that should look like, genuine devolution of powers and resources can play a huge role in promoting inclusive economic growth, creating jobs, and improving public services. In a very centralised country, moving funding and power from Whitehall to local leaders is needed, but it must be done in a way where empowered councils and the communities they serve are at the heart of decision-making.

“Reforms in this white paper will have a significant impact on every council and community. While our members are – and always have been – open to change, we remain clear that local government reorganisation should be a matter for councils and local areas to decide. In the coming weeks and months, the LGA will be engaging proactively with all our members across the country as we look to respond fully to the white paper. At the same time, we will be closely monitoring the bill and working with Parliamentarians to ensure we get the best possible legislation on behalf of our members.

“However, devolution is not an end in itself and cannot distract from the severe funding pressures that are pushing local services to the brink. It is vital the forthcoming provisional Local Government Finance Settlement provides councils with a significant and sustained increase in overall funding that reflects current and future demand for services. This should include compensation for the changes to employer national insurance contributions announced in the Budget.”