William Eichler 26 September 2022

Government urged to ‘turbocharge’ devolution

Government urged to ‘turbocharge’ devolution image
Image: SFIO CRACHO/Shutterstock.com.

County council leaders have urged the new Government to go ‘further and faster’ with the devolution agenda and to conclude deals with the first cohort of county areas by the end of autumn.

In the second chapter of Five Point Plan for County and Unitary Councils, published today, the County Councils Network (CCN) called on the levelling up secretary Simon Clarke to conclude negotiations with the seven remaining county areas from the first cohort by the end of November.

The CCN argued that the extra investment and powers will be vital to improving the productivity of local economies in the face of sluggish economic growth and the cost-of-living crisis.

The previous Government agreed devolution deals for North Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire over the summer.

The network also argued that the Government should commit to beginning negotiations with at least two-thirds of CCN’s 36 council areas by the end of this Parliament.

Cllr Martin Hill, devolution spokesperson for the CCN, said: ‘Two of the new Government’s key aims are growing the economy and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. If we are to see the growth needed to boost productivity and bring down inflation, it is vital that economies in all four corners of the country are firing on all cylinders.

‘County authorities are not short of ambition but the majority of them lack the powers and investment enjoyed by metro mayors in city areas, which is why it is imperative that the government ensures that the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill is passed through Parliament as soon as possible.

‘When the Bill is passed, there should be no let up from the government. We urge ministers to go further and faster than before, turbocharging devolution so more of our great counties are able to able to benefit quicker.’

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) spokesperson said: 'We want to see more areas with a high-profile, directly elected leader who will be accountable to local people and able to deliver for their communities.

'Negotiations are rapidly progressing with a number of areas to agree their devolution deals. We aim to announce these in 2022.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner