English devolution is entering a pivotal new phase – but without a shared long‑term vision, there is a real risk momentum could stall. That is the warning from thinktank Re:State, which has today launched a new initiative designed to define what meaningful devolution in England should look like next.
Recent government announcements point to genuine progress. The Chancellor has confirmed plans to devolve a share of national taxation, ahead of the Autumn 2026 Budget, while the Overnight Visitor Levy, the first new local tax power in decades, is already being introduced.
At the same time, Strategic Authorities are set to cover most of England’s population, Integrated Settlements are signalling greater spending flexibility, and the forthcoming English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act is expected to enshrine the right to request further powers in statute.
However, Re:State argues that progress alone does not amount to transformation. With a sensible package of reforms already in train, the thinktank warns this moment risks becoming the high‑water mark of ambition, rather than the foundation of a deeper, longer‑term devolution settlement.
In its analysis, Re:State cautions that complacency now could derail the devolution revolution before it fully takes root.
While England now has a growing and diverse patchwork of devolved institutions, each Strategic Authority is developing at a different pace, with differing capacities, priorities and powers. So far, this has not added up to a compelling account of what a fully devolved England would look like, or how it would fundamentally transform governance, accountability and economic performance.
Re:State argues that the biggest challenge facing devolution is the absence of a shared end‑state. Without a clear vision defined by devolved leaders themselves, national government will continue to shape the limits of devolution by default.
In response, Re:State has launched the Devo Next Initiative, a new partnership bringing together combined authorities in West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, East Midlands, West Midlands, and the North East.
The initiative aims to shape the next phase of English devolution by:
- Defining a credible end‑state for the system
- Identifying the next steps and future powers needed
- Building political and institutional momentum
- Influencing national policy debate from a devolved perspective
Re:State says Devo Next will provide a platform for Combined Authorities to collectively articulate what deeper devolution should achieve, and why it matters for economic growth, public services and democratic renewal across England.
Dr Simon Kaye, Director of Policy and Research at Re:State, said:
“Devolution may yet be this Government’s most radical legacy. But progress up to now could still easily be reversed. There is no single shared vision about where the devolution agenda should go next. Without that, the sector risks fragmentation, incrementalism, and missed opportunities. This initiative will fill that gap, shaping the debate with the aim of changing England for good.”
While the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act is expected to mark a significant legislative milestone, Re:State is clear that legislation alone cannot deliver transformation.
That responsibility now lies with devolved institutions themselves — to set direction, define ambition and ensure this period of reform is the start of a longer journey, not its endpoint.
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