20.09.19
LGA provides plans for devolution-themed Queen’s speech
With 350 councils to represent in England, the LGA are keen to make sure local services and communities are the government’s top priority.
The have issued a seven-point plan for the Queen’s Speech, with a view to reignite devolution and bring greater powers and funding to areas such as housing, transport and health and social care.
The Queen’s Speech, set for 14 October, will benefit from the LGA’s radical plans to disperse some of the Government’s centralisation of budgets and spending across England. Giving local councils more control over their economies and attempt to reduce demand for higher national cost.
At the top of their seven-point-plan is the English Devolution Bill, aiming to equip local councils to build more homes, grow the economy and put local people on a successful path.
Some areas are already benefitting from devolved power in the UK, but the LGA is concerned that the progress made has been stalled after almost two years without any new deals.
From schools to the heath service the LGA want to make sure all decisions are localised, in order to secure the nation’s future prosperity. They believe using the Queen’s Speech to introduce these topics is the most effective way to support their #CouncilsCan campaign.
Also included in their plans are the Local Government Finance Bill, proposals for adult social care, Building Safety Bill, Electoral Bill, Transport and roads and Housing and Planning Bill. All of which are underpinned by the fundamental idea of devolvement to local council
Councillor James Jamieson, LGA chairman, said: “The next Queen’s Speech is of huge importance to councils and our communities.
“The radical legislative programme we have set out today would give councils across the country the freedoms needed to help solve some of the biggest problems facing the nation, by creating more school spaces, building more homes, boosting economic growth, improving our roads and equipping people with the skills they need to succeed.
“Taking decisions over how to run local services closer to where people live is key to improving them and saving money. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already have a significant say over everything from health services to skills and transport, yet many of England’s communities are still desperate for the same freedoms.”