Jonathan Werran 22 March 2022

South East needs 'unified' approach to create a devolution framework

South East needs unified approach to create a devolution framework image
Image: Flyby Photography / Shutterstock.com

Government must rethink the assumption that directing investment away from an ‘overheated’ South East will ‘cool’ the region and ‘heat’ the rest of the country, a report has warned today.

The report from think tank Localis has recommended a unified approach within the region to create a framework for devolution, with local authorities coming together in a major ‘Summit for the South East’.

This summit should decide on the preferred structure of local government in the region, set broad levelling up priorities and define key regional assets, the report said. This could be done with, or as a report submitted to, the forthcoming regional levelling up director for the South East, it added.

Resetting the South East: levelling up after Brexit, COVID and climate change also sets out financial recommendations. These include enabling councils in areas of net contribution to the Treasury to raise additional levies to fund investment. This could include ‘powers like those given to the Mayor of London in the Business Rates Supplement Act or the ability to use expansive Tax-Increment Financing for pro-growth schemes’.

More broadly, it has called for a ‘serious investigation into appropriate fiscal levers for the region, in the style of the London Finance Commission’.

Writing in this week’s The MJ, chief executive of Localis Jonathan Werran said: ‘A more nuanced devolution settlement for the South East would empower local councils to alleviate deprivation, improve quality of life for residents and boost government’s net zero and Global Britain ambitions.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Virtual School Inclusion Support Officer

Essex County Council
£32768.0000 - £38550.0000 per annum
Virtual School Inclusion Support OfficerPermanent, Term Time£32,768 to £38,550 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Business Development Officer

Essex County Council
£36341.0000 - £42754.0000 per annum
Senior Business Development Officer - Integrated Passenger Transport UnitFixed Term, Full Time£36,341 to £42,754 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interview dates
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Investment Marketing and Web Officer CDC

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8, £33,708 - £37,399
The postholder should be experienced in planning social media activity, refreshing web content and analysing their impact. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner