Dan Peters Chris Mahony 07 December 2021

Powers warning ahead of new deals

Powers warning ahead of new deals image

A new report today warns areas reluctant to accept directly-elected leaders in the next wave of devolution deals may be offered ‘fewer powers and flexibilities’.

The report by the County Councils’ Network (CCN), Institute for Government (IfG) think-tank and consultants Grant Thornton warned the Government was ‘likely to hold a tough line in negotiations over governance arrangements’.

It comes ahead of the Government’s long-awaited levelling up White Paper, which has now been delayed from before Christmas to January.

Among the ideas thought to have been agreed is a suggestion of American-style governors for rural areas that are not a natural fit for executive mayors, as well as a levelling up quango to vet Government policies for their impact on regional inequalities.

CCN, IfG and Grant Thornton’s report raised concerns that politicians from a party different to the dominant one in the local area could win such elections, which ‘could lead to conflict and weaker rather than stronger leadership’.

The report said some local leaders felt like they were ‘operating in the dark’ and were ‘reluctant to spend time and political capital developing proposals that may go nowhere’.

A DLUHC spokesperson said: ‘Work is progressing well, with the levelling up committee having met several times and ministers working closely together to deliver the Government’s central mission.’

Read CCN's James Maker on the report here

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner