Rayner’s ‘revolution in devolution’ gives mayors more power
ANGELA Rayner will today lay out plans for a ‘devolution revolution’ by handing more powers to regional mayors and councils.
It comes ahead of tomorrow’s King’s Speech in which mayors and councils are expected to be given more control over skills, energy, planning and transport.
It is being billed as the ‘most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen’.
In a letter to local leaders, the Deputy PM wrote: ‘For too long, Westminster government has tightly gripped control and held back opportunities and potential for towns, cities and villages across the country.
‘Last week, with the Prime Minister, I had the pleasure of meeting the metro mayors in England.
‘We discussed how to have proper, grown-up conversations around economic growth, and how to deliver that through better housing, skills, and jobs for local people.’ The Government has pointed to Greater Manchester, which has had devolved powers since 2014, as an example of a region succeeding as a result of devolution.
In other parts of the country, mayors have played a crucial role in attracting new investment – with major manufacturers such as Boeing and McLaren bringing new jobs to South Yorkshire, while West Yorkshire is now home to the UK’s fastest growing digital industry outside London. However, only around half of people in England currently benefit from devolution arrangements.
Ms Rayner will invite local leaders in ‘devolution deserts’ to take on more powers. The idea is that local leaders can make decisions that benefit their communities, while boosting economic growth.