What is devolution
English devolution is the transfer of power and funding associated with specific policy areas, from the UK Government to sub-regional and local governments in England.
The devolution process means the transfer of powers, funding and decisions which would usually be taken by central government to a more local or regional level. The government has pledged that English devolution can be a means of ‘levelling up’ all parts of the country and reducing regional inequalities.
English devolution deals focus on boosting local economic growth. Funding and powers are usually devolved to support a range of areas for potential growth in the combined authority area, such as:
- transport
- skills
- housing
- planning
- general economic development programmes
Generally, each devolution deal includes a capital investment fund of hundreds of millions of pounds, which is paid in annual instalments over 3 decades. These funds can be used to finance transport, housing, and development projects.
Devolution from central government means that a region or sub-region has more powers and responsibilities than they have now, so that:
- decisions can be made closer to the communities they affect
- spending is focused on local priorities and to attract increased government investment
- local services work more closely together, and knowledge is combined to get better value for money
- the region becomes more self-sufficient and takes responsibility for its future
- the different values, ambitions and identities of the region are considered and reflected in decisions taken
How devolution works
Over the last 10 years, the government has progressed a number of individually agreed ‘devolution deals’ in other English sub-regions, to transfer funding on specific policy areas, along with appropriate powers to partnerships of local authorities, known as ‘Combined Authorities’. These deals typically last for 30 years and can bring in significant local investment.
Areas that are seeking devolution must:
- become part of a joint body (a ‘Combined Authority’) with other places where decisions about these matters would be taken
- have a regional directly elected mayor who would work with councils through the Combined Authority to use the powers and resources gained through any deal
The elected mayor has access to devolved powers and resources and acts as an individual to unite and work across the region. The elected Mayor can be held to account for decisions made on a regional level.
Examples of devolution deals include Liverpool, Manchester, the West Midlands, and West Yorkshire who have elected Mayors.
The current office of Lord Mayor of York is a ceremonial role which applies only to the City of York local authority area and would be unaffected. The Government would create through legislation a new post of a regional mayor for the devolved area.
There are already decisions which are taken at a local level (for example, through councils like City of York Council), regionally (through Combined Authorities working with Local Enterprise Partnerships) and nationally by the Government.
Devolution would primarily be about strengthening regional arrangements, with greater democratic accountability and powers to take decisions which are currently made in London.