Deputy Prime Minister will today (Tuesday 16 July)
pledge to kickstart a new devolution revolution to transfer more
powers out of Westminster and into the hands of local people.
In her first letter to local leaders, Rayner will urge regions
without devolved power to “partner with the government to deliver
the most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever
seen”.
She will invite local leaders in devolution deserts - those with
local knowledge and skin in the game - to work together to take
on powers in areas like transport, adult education and skills,
housing and planning, and employment support. These new
agreements will mean local leaders can make decisions that
benefit their communities better, while boosting economic growth
and opportunity.
Devolution is central to the government's mission to boost
economic growth, but only around half of the people in England
currently benefit from these arrangements. The letter from the
Deputy Prime Minister makes clear that the government's door is
open to areas who want to take on devolution for the first time,
with the government committed to encouraging more local
authorities to come together and take on new powers.
In the letter, Deputy Prime Minister 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 a
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 role - 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."
Greater Manchester, one of the places where devolution has
existed for the longest and powers are deepest, has been one of
the UK's fastest growing areas over the last 20 years and is
forecast to grow by more than the national average in coming
years.
This has been driven by powers allowing the Greater Manchester
Mayor to encourage investment into the city, boost skills, and
work towards an integrated transport system.
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.
OECD research suggests that if the autonomy of UK cities was to
increase to the same level as Helsinki, then productivity would
increase significantly.
Agreeing new devolution deals will mark a monumental shift of
power away from Westminster into communities – giving those with
skin in the game the power to make the best decisions for their
people and make a difference to their lives.
The letter comes ahead of the King's Speech on 17 July 2024,
which will build on the momentum of the government's first week,
by setting out how it will make a difference to the lives of
working people.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Last week, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
convened a mayoral roundtable at Number 10 with the twelve
current metro mayors to discuss to discuss a new partnership
approach and how the government can scale up devolution which
will help to unlock economic growth and tackle regional
inequality.
- The Prime Minister announced that the government will
establish a Council of Nations and Regions bringing together the
Prime Minister, the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, the
First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, and the
Mayors of Combined Authorities. New Mayors established through
this process would be eligible to sit on the Council of Nations
and Regions.
- The Deputy Prime Minister has also pledged to introduce Local
Growth Plans across the country. As part of this, mayors will be
asked to identify local specialisms, and contribute to work on a
national industrial strategy.
- The Deputy Prime Minister is writing to all council leaders
of County and Unitary councils not currently subject to a
devolution deal.
