A “devolution revolution” is being pledged by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner.
In a letter to all leaders of county and unitary councils not currently subject to a devolution deal, Rayner is urging regions without devolved power to “partner with the government to deliver the most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen”.
Rayner, also the secretary of state for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, wants local leaders in so-called “devolution deserts” to work together to take on powers in areas such as transport, adult education and skills, housing and planning, and employment support.
The aim of the devolution agreements is for local leaders to be able to make decisions “that benefit their communities better, while boosting economic growth and opportunity”, according to Rayner.
Last week, prime minister Keir Starmer and Rayner convened a mayoral roundtable at Number 10 with the twelve current metro mayors to discuss a new partnership approach and how the government can scale up devolution. Implementing devolution was also the subject of a discussion panel at the Public Finance Live conference held in Manchester last week.
In the letter, Rayner said: “For too long, Westminster government has tightly gripped control and held back opportunities and potential for towns, cities, and villages across the country.
“I want to work with more places to help them use these enhanced powers and role – because I want to drive growth in every part of the country. For any area considering it, now is the time to take the plunge and speak to us about how we can work with you to transform your regions.”
The government has announced its intention to establish a Council of Nations and Regions bringing together the prime minister, the first ministers of Scotland and Wales, the first and deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, and the mayors of combined authorities. New mayors established through new devolution deals would be eligible to sit on the Council of Nations and Regions.
Rayner has also pledged to introduce Local Growth Plans across the country. As part of this, mayors will be asked to identify local specialisms, and contribute to work on a national industrial strategy.
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