Today, the government is pledging to begin a new devolution ‘revolution’ that will see even more powers transferred away from Westminster, towards local leaders.
This comes as Deputy Prime Minister – and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government – Angela Rayner has written to local leaders to urge those regions that don’t have devolved power to come together with the government and deliver ambitious devolution.
In the letter to local leaders, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:
“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.
“I want to work with more places to help them use these enhanced powers and roles - because I want to drive growth in every part of the country. For any area considering it, now is the time to take the plunge and speak to us about how we can work with you to transform your regions.”
As part of this call for collaboration and devolution, Rayner will invite local leaders who have ‘skin in the game’ and key knowledge about their regions to work together on important issues such as transport, housing, adult education and employment. This will then support leaders to make the right decisions that will deliver for their specific communities, whilst also boosting economic growth.
The evidence is there to support the work towards devolution, with Greater Manchester – one of the areas with the deepest devolved power – has become one of the fastest-growing areas in the country over the last two decades. The region is also expected to grow by more than the national average in the future.
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