The government’s approach to devolution, including timetabling, accountability and transparency, have come under fire today in a new report from MPs.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has published a new report raising fresh concerns about the oversight and implementation of devolution deals.
The Cities and Local Growth paper found that the objectives and financial implications of the devolution deals were not ‘sufficiently clear’ and the scale and pace of implementation is ‘extremely challenging’.
It also claimed the Government had given little consideration to local scrutiny arrangements, and the capacity and capability of both local and central government.
Committee chair Meg Hillier said it was ‘alarming’ that ‘so many questions still hang’ over the process.
She said: ‘Parliament and the public must be assured that devolved spending is subject to effective scrutiny and there are clear lines of accountability for delivering value for money.
‘These vital arrangements are still very much work-in-progress and must be confirmed as a matter of urgency.'
The County Councils' Network told The MJ local accountability should form the 'cornerstone' of any deal.