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

NextGov: Resolving the housing crisis image

NextGov: Resolving the housing crisis

The Home Builders Federation’s (HBF) policy and external affairs manager, Laura Markus, discusses what the next government should do to tackle the housing crisis.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Fitness Instructor, Full-Time (Teddington)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Starting salary £24,684pa
Fitness Inst... Teddington
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Director of Economy

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£95,050 - £105,438 plus relocation package
This is an unrivalled career opportunity for an ambitious and experienced leader at a pivotal point in our history. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Head of Legal (Monitoring Officer)

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£73,755-82,065 plus relocation package
This is an unrivalled career opportunity for an ambitious and experienced leader at a pivotal point in our history. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Programme Administrator / Business Support - London Borough of Culture Team

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£32,955 - 39,933 per annum

Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Executive Assistant - London Borough of Culture Team

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£32,955 - £42,525 per annum

Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.