As the Prime Minister is set to meet with England’s metro-mayors, the County Councils Network has urged Sir Keir Starmer to give county councils a voice too.
The meeting with metro-mayors will see discussions over regional economic development as part of a drive to boost growth across the country, however the County Councils Network has outlined how less than half of the nation is covered by a metro-mayor and that it would be a ‘missed opportunity’ not to give a voice to county councils – which represent large parts of the country, especially in rural areas.
This stems from the fact that county councils have a plethora of experience with the attraction and spending of billions of pounds worth of economic development, infrastructure and regeneration investment every year. By including county councils in discussions on regional economic growth, their expertise can be harnessed.
As last week’s general election drew closer, the County Councils Network published its Manifesto for Counties, which established how the government should be bold and ambitious with devolution across the country. This would see all areas without a devolution deal being given the opportunity to secure one by 2027, including the idea that areas with a devolution agreement do not necessarily need a metro-mayor – similar to how some deals involve a combined authority mayor or an elected leader.
Chairman of the County Councils Network, Cllr Tim Oliver, said:
“The County Councils Network welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to driving growth in every part of the nation, and in doing so, do more to empower these local leaders that have ‘skin in the game’. It is only by devolving more power to local areas that this government can deliver the growth this country desperately needs.
“Next week’s meeting between metro mayors and the Prime Minister is therefore a positive and early signal of his intent on this agenda. However, we must recognise that less than half of England’s population is served by a metro mayor, with these overwhelmingly concentrated in urban areas.
“Outside these areas, we have strong county leaders, who are responsible for attracting and spending billions in economic development, infrastructure and regeneration investment every single year.
“A failure to involve county representatives in these critical discussions will leave large parts of England, particularly rural areas, without a voice. If these discussions are on how best to secure long-term growth across the country this would represent a significant missed opportunity, with county areas delivering 39% of England’s economic output and half of all jobs. We therefore urge the government to ensure counties have a seat at the table, harnessing the expertise and experience of county authorities.”
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