Martin Ford 11 May 2021

Queen's Speech: Levelling up takes centre stage

Queens Speech: Levelling up takes centre stage image

The Government’s levelling up agenda took centre stage in today’s Queen’s Speech, but the role councils will play remains uncertain.

A pledge to ‘level up opportunities across all parts of the United Kingdom’ through jobs, economic growth and support for businesses opened the speech.

However, hopes from the Local Government Association (LGA) for ‘turbo-charged’ proposals for devolved powers for councils to play their part were dashed.

There was mention of proposals to ‘create and support jobs' and a reaffirmed commitment to the eight freeports to ‘help regenerate communities’.

Proposals will also be brought forward to ‘transform connectivity by rail and bus’ and for a ‘lifetime skills guarantee’ loan for higher-level education and training.

However, principal research consultant at the Respublica think-tank, Mark Morrin highlighted an 'absence of references to devolution’ in the speech, adding: ‘We are all waiting on what is going to be in the [Levelling Up] White Paper to join up the dots.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner