The government is continuing to deliver devolution for all
corners of the country, with a commitment to deliver full
devolution across the North.
The next wave of devolution deals will work to ensure the
remaining areas in the region not yet benefitting from greater
devolved powers are supported to deliver agreements that work for
their communities.
The commitment confirmed today follows the government's
announcement earlier this week that four devolution agreements
will progress in Hull and East Yorkshire, Greater Lincolnshire,
Lancashire, and Devon and Torbay.
The government will also release this year's funding for two
Investment Zones, delivering high quality jobs and attracting
private sector investment, focusing on advanced manufacturing
in the West Midlands and life sciences in West Yorkshire.
Investment Zones have been established in a number of Combined
Authorities in England, combining tax incentives and flexible
funding for research and development, skills, business support,
local infrastructure and planning.
Further government action to deliver devolution includes:
- The English Devolution Bill announced in the King's Speech;
- Establishing the Council of the Nations and Regions, with
more details to be announced in due course;
- Asking existing mayors to develop Local Growth Plans for
their areas to help drive regional growth. Greater Manchester,
one of the places where devolution has existed for the longest
and the 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; and
- The devolution agreements announced this week means that over
60% of the country will be covered by a devolution deal.
