Devolution risks handing councils greater control over public spending when many lack the staff and expertise to spend it effectively, a new report has warned.
Research by the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub at the University of Birmingham's City-REDI surveyed 88 officers across 57 councils and combined authorities.
It found 62% said their organisation had little or no dedicated expertise to assess investment proposals and demonstrate value for money, while 76% had never held a Better Business Case Green Book appraisal qualification.
Report author Alice Pugh said greater local control ‘brings responsibility for decisions that will shape places for years to come’.
She warned that teams are stretched too thinly, with 67% turning to consultants to develop the economic case. ‘Places still need enough expertise internally to challenge external work and retain ownership of investment decisions. Otherwise, reliance on consultants can become self-reinforcing,’ she said.
The report calls for a targeted capacity-building programme, shared expertise across authorities and universities, and enough in-house skills to challenge external advice. It also urges more time for local scrutiny and clearer guidance on assessment requirements.
