27.10.16
Councils invite Javid to push forward with non-metropolitan devo talks
Rural and non-metropolitan areas should benefit from the same devolution deals as metropolitan areas, the LGA has told communities and local government secretary Sajid Javid.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, chair of the LGA People and Places Board, has written to Javid inviting him to a meeting to discuss “a practical way forward” for non-metropolitan devolution.
Just two non-metropolitan areas – Cornwall and Greater Lincolnshire – have developed devolution deals since last September. The Lincolnshire deal is now in doubt after being rejected by Lincolnshire County Council, while Cornwall Council has raised concerns about the process of a number of key projects.
Cllr Hawthorne said: “The People and Places Board represents non-metropolitan and rural councils. Its members are ambitious to see further devolution to their communities and greater growth in their local economies, but they are conscious of the particular risk for both these priorities arising from the pursuit of a national policy approach.
“We have been struck by the progress made in devolution to cities and city-regions across the county and we welcome the prime minister’s recent announcement that she remains personally committed to this process. However, we seek clarity on the government’s approach to devolution to rural and non-metropolitan areas.”
Papers from a People and Places Board meeting say that in its Autumn Statement submission, the LGA will strongly back devolution, arguing that it should be the “primary vehicle” for change.
It will argue for flexible devolution deals in non-metropolitan areas, including non-mayoral deals, and for further devolution of taxes if 100% business rates devolution proves to be a success.
The board is also asked to support an awareness campaign highlighting the “lost opportunities” as a result of limited process in securing non-metropolitan devolution deals in order to increase public support for the issue.
A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: "The government welcomes any proposal which deliver better local services, greater value for money and effective local leadership.
“Ministers are clear that where significant powers are transferred they must be accompanied by strong governance, clear accountability and local support.”
(Image c. Joe Giddens from PA Wire/ PA Images)
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