James Brokenshire is considering new models of devolution as he seeks to extend further powers to local areas, the communities secretary has insisted.
In his first appearance before the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee yesterday, Mr Brokenshire said there was ‘still space and opportunity’ for further devolution, adding that he was considering ways to ‘cascade’ fresh powers down to communities.
Mr Brokenshire also attempted to calm MPs’ fears over the financial sustainability of some councils following the sector’s first full Section 114 notice for almost two decades, issued at Northamptonshire CC earlier this year.
He told MPs his department was keeping a close eye on the financial situation facing all councils, but that officials had no immediate concerns about any particular authority following intervention at Northamptonshire.
