Devolution reforms will be essential if Labour is to fulfil its mission of nationwide growth, a new report has argued.
The Future Governance Forum think-tank and consultancy Metro Dynamics have set out a series of recommendations for the new Government.
They include a call for stronger funding and investment powers for mayoral combined authorities and a single funding pot for every combined authority.
Their report also urges the Government to establish a ‘mission council’ with metro mayors, councils, businesses and civil society to advise on mission delivery outside London.
Other recommendations include handing job centres to councils, ending competitive bidding, and bringing in multi-year financial settlements.
The director of The Future Governance Forum, Nathan Yeowell, said the introduction of the English Devolution Bill was a promising start but the challenge would be to maintain momentum.
He said: ‘Both central and local government are facing significant constraints.
‘Unless, as promised, Labour frees up local authorities and devolves key powers to them then there is a very real danger that any drive for growth will come to a halt before it starts.’
