Michael Burton 04 May 2021

Devolution White Paper to be replaced by levelling up proposals

Devolution White Paper to be replaced by levelling up proposals image

A levelling up White Paper will replace the long-awaited policy document on devolution and local recovery.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed the change as it was announced that a former Treasury aide and now Conservative MP is to spearhead the Government’s levelling up programme amid concern it is failing to make an impact in the red wall constituencies won by the Tories in the last election.

Neil O’Brien, a former special adviser to chancellor George Osborne and Prime Minister Theresa May, has been asked by Boris Johnson to oversee the levelling up programme.

The programme's mission to reduce regional inequalities is regarded as essential for a Tory win in the next General Election.

Whitehall insiders have said the programme is confused and has been described as a 'slogan without a purpose'.

Mr O’Brien has been MP for the safe Conservative seat of Harborough in Leicestershire since 2017 and grew up in Huddersfield.

He is a former director of the right-of-centre think-tank Policy Exchange.

Mr O’Brien will work with the new Downing Street delivery unit and Cabinet Office.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in last autumn’s Spending Review a £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund for local investment projects.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Procurement Category Manager

Wakefield Council
£49,764.00 to £52,805.00, Grade 12
Do you want to become a member of a successful Corporate Procurement Team Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recovery Support Worker

Wakefield Council
Grade 7 - Grade 8, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Join a first of its kind specialist children’s home that has just been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted 2 years running. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Children's Residential Worker

Wakefield Council
£31,067.00 - £33,366.00, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
We are looking for a Full Time Children's Residential Workers to join our team. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Maintenance Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£28,163 - £37,035 per annum
Are you a Maintenance Operative looking to further develop your skills and experience Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Bricklayer Maintenance Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£28,163 - £30,559
Are you a qualified Bricklayer looking to expand your skills in a rewarding maintenance role? Richmond, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner