Devolution

There is promise of a simplified and standard approach to obtaining a devolution deal which would be welcomed together with a speedier process.

The role of the Government in the deal is only one part of the story, however, the local councils supporting a deal must work together to achieve the greatest benefit from these deals. Working on a larger footprint with new or additional powers provides the ability to make significant change at a local level where it will make the biggest impact.

A new combined or combined county authority is the mechanism to achieve this, but it will only be successful if collaboration and cooperation are part of the organisation’s culture (including the individual member authorities). If there is encouragement for every area to embrace these new powers then local councils need to appreciate what it means for them, how they can contribute and make it work.

Alongside this change, the Government will also hopefully set out what it means when referring to reorganisation, whether this will be a full-scale review, a preference for certain structures or something else. We will track developments on the white paper and eventual Bill as it passes through parliament and support local authorities in their journey.

For more information on devolution, please contact Claire Ward.

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