Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has announced plans for a sweeping devolution initiative aimed at transferring significant powers from Westminster to local authorities across England.
In a move described as a “new devolution revolution,” Rayner is reaching out to regions currently without devolved powers, inviting them to partner with the government in what she calls
“the most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen.”
Empowering Local Leaders
The plan seeks to give local leaders more control over key areas such as:
- Transport
- Adult education and skills
- Housing and planning
- Employment support
Rayner argues that these new agreements will enable local decision-makers to better serve their communities while simultaneously stimulating economic growth and creating new opportunities.
The Devolution Landscape
Currently, only about half of England’s population benefits from devolved power arrangements. The government is now actively encouraging more local authorities to come together and assume new responsibilities.
Rayner’s letter to local leaders makes it clear that the government is open to discussions with areas interested in embracing devolution for the first time.
“For too long, Westminster government has tightly gripped control and held back opportunities and potential for towns, cities, and villages across the country,” Rayner stated in her letter.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to having “proper, grown-up conversations around economic growth” and how to achieve it through improvements in housing, skills, and job creation at the local level.
Success Stories and Potential Benefits
The government points to Greater Manchester as a prime example of devolution’s potential benefits. As one of the earliest adopters of devolved powers, the region has experienced significant growth over the past two decades and is projected to outpace the national average in the coming years.
Other success stories include:
Region |
Achievement |
|---|---|
| South Yorkshire | Attracted major manufacturers like Boeing and McLaren |
| West Yorkshire | Developed the UK’s fastest-growing digital industry outside London |
Research from the OECD suggests that increasing the autonomy of UK cities to levels comparable with Helsinki could lead to substantial productivity gains.
A New Partnership Approach
This devolution push comes on the heels of a recent meeting between the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and the twelve current metro mayors.
The roundtable discussion focused on developing a new partnership approach and exploring ways to scale up devolution to drive economic growth and address regional inequality.
As part of this initiative, the government has announced the establishment of a Council of Nations and Regions.
This body will bring together the Prime Minister, First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, and the Mayors of Combined Authorities. New mayors created through this devolution process would also be eligible to join the council.
Local Growth Plans and Industrial Strategy
In addition to increased devolution, Rayner has pledged to introduce Local Growth Plans across the country. Mayors will be asked to identify local specialisms and contribute to the development of a national industrial strategy.
Next Steps and Timelines
While the press release doesn’t provide specific timelines for implementation, it does mention that the King’s Speech on July 17, 2024, will build on the momentum of the government’s first week. The speech is expected to outline how the government plans to make a tangible difference in the lives of working people.
With the devolution revolution underway, the government encourages you to visit their official website for updates and detailed information on how to participate.
Sources: THX News, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities & The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP.
