Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner pledged on Tuesday to delegate more powers from Westminster to local areas as part of a “devolution revolution.”
The new Labour government is extending an invitation to areas interested in exploring devolution for the first time, with Deputy Labour Leader and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government Angela Rayner urging council leaders without a devolution deal to collaborate with the government.
Ms. Rayner’s announcement precedes Wednesday’s King’s Speech, where mayors and councils are expected to receive increased control over skills, energy, planning, and transport.
In a communication to local leaders, she stated, “For too long, Westminster has centralized power, hindering the potential of towns, cities, and villages across the country.”
She continued, “Last week, the Prime Minister and I met with England’s metro Mayors, demonstrating our commitment to involving local leaders in government decisions. We discussed strategies to drive sustainable economic growth through improved housing, targeted skills development, and quality, well-paying jobs, utilizing both national and local resources.”
“I have witnessed firsthand the advantages of devolution, ranging from enhanced transportation integration and publicly managed buses to innovative skills programs and affordable housing initiatives.”
In some English metropolitan areas like London, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands, voters elect mayors with regional responsibilities including transport, housing, and in certain cases, policing.
The government’s announcement of expanded devolution powers coincided with Labour’s Vaughan Gething resigning as the first minister of Wales after members of his devolved government stepped down in protest over his leadership.
During a recent meeting with regional mayors, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed a desire to establish a genuine partnership with them, stating, “We want to work alongside you, supporting your efforts.”
The meeting, attended by 11 mayors from across England, highlighted Greater Manchester as a successful example of a region thriving due to devolution. The Labour party emphasized that devolution has contributed to the city’s growth over the past 20 years, with forecasted growth exceeding the national average in the upcoming years.
PA Media contributed to this report.
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