- Six regions set to get their own mayors through devolution
will share almost £200 million every year for three decades, to
build more of the 1.5 million homes promised, enhance high
streets and revive their communities.
- Ministers are also considering moving some inaugural
elections to 2028 so areas can finish reorganising their councils
and help mayors hit the ground running.
- This marks the latest steps forward in the government's
mission to empower local leaders to transform their areas as part
of the Plan for Change.
More homes, better high streets and support for small and medium
businesses are all on the way as six fast-tracked devolution
areas have secured a multi-billion-pound long-term funding
package.
Ministers have confirmed almost £6 billion over the next 30
years, with almost £200 million to be shared each year by the
places on the Devolution Priority Programme - which will see them
get their own mayors.
Mayors can spend this funding flexibly on local priorities to
boost their area's economy to create lasting jobs and
opportunities. It can also be used to increase housebuilding,
including accelerating regional housebuilding programmes and
initiatives or bringing more social and affordable homes on the
market – helping achieve the government's 1.5 million homes
commitment.
Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities MP said:
“This money will help transform communities for the better as
part of our Plan for Change.
“It will help new mayors achieve what their areas' want most,
from building more of the 1.5 million homes this government has
promised to improving the green spaces that locals love - this is
how devolution improves lives across the country.”
Once mayors are in post, the six areas will get the 30-year
Investment Funds as part of a wider package of devolved powers
and funding in areas like transport, planning and skills.
These are:
- Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority: £21.7 million per
year
- Cumbria Combined Authority: £11.1 million per year
- Greater Essex Combined County Authority: £41.5 million per
year
- Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority: £44.6
million per year
- Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority: £37.4 million
per year
- Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority: £38 million
per year
All six regions will also receive £3m each as a minimum over the
next three financial years, in addition to an initial £1m payment
in the coming months, to help with the costs of establishing the
new mayoral authorities.
Four of the areas are currently reorganising their local councils
into stronger unitary authorities, to create simpler, more
effective structures that can better support mayors'
powers.
These areas are Greater Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk
and Suffolk, and Sussex and Brighton. New unitary councils in the
four areas are expected to be established in 2028.
In order to make sure strong foundations are in place ahead of
devolution, Ministers have today confirmed they are considering
holding inaugural mayoral elections in these areas in May 2028,
with areas completing the reorganisation process before Mayors
take office.
This would ensure that new mayors come into office with effective
and empowered local government already in place, helping them hit
the ground running from day one.
The remaining two areas, Cheshire and Warrington and Cumbria,
already have unitary councils in place. Mayoral elections in
these areas will proceed in May 2027 as planned.
Ministers will continue to work with both areas to bring forward
the legislation to create their mayoral authorities.
