Metro Mayors Transfer of Powers 2023-02-20
2023-02-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from discussions about the benefits of transferring powers from central government to local leaders, particularly focusing on the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
If he will make an assessment of the potential benefits of transferring powers from central Government to (a) the Mayor of Greater Manchester and (b) other metro Mayors. I am concerned that devolving powers might create a personal power base for mayors like Andy Burnham, who are implementing policies such as the so-called clean-air zone which go against Conservative values.
Devolution gives local leaders the tools to level up. Mayors already drive economic growth, improve public services and respond to local priorities, which is why the Government are committed to deepening the devolution settlement for the most mature institutions, supported by stronger processes for accountability. I thank my hon. Friend for staying vigilant on the creation of socialist power bases, which those of us on the Government side take incredibly seriously.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific assessment of potential benefits or address concerns about personal power bases directly.
I Thank My Hon. Friend For Staying Vigilant On The Creation Of Socialist Power Bases, Which Those Of Us On The Government Side Take Incredibly Seriously.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the concern that trailblazer deals in specific areas imply a delay for other combined authorities to receive similar powers.
Will the Minister disabuse me of the idea that everyone else will have to sit and wait, without getting extra devolution? Will she set out a timetable or indicate when Mayors of other combined authorities will be given the same powers as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands?
Our priority at the moment is securing these trailblazer deals—securing the devolution of vital powers on things we know really matter to communities in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. Following that point, we will be talking to other metro areas about how we can deepen their devolution deals as well.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific timeline or timetable for other combined authorities.
Our Priority At The Moment Is Securing These Trailblazer Deals
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from a proposal by the Mayor of Greater Manchester for a workplace parking levy, which is viewed as a tax on businesses and jobs.
Does the Minister share my concern about the Mayor of Greater Manchester's proposals for a workplace parking levy? It is a tax on business, jobs and families, is it not?
My hon. Friend is a great champion for his community and I would be happy to meet him to discuss this policy further.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the concern about the workplace parking levy directly.
I Would Be Happy To Meet Him To Discuss This Policy Further.
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP raises the issue of increased scrutiny needed at a very local level when powers are devolved.
The Minister knows that I am very supportive of the devolution of more powers to Greater Manchester, but one area that she needs to look at carefully is the increase in scrutiny that will be necessary at a very local level. As powers shift from this place, where scrutiny is strong, to local government, where scrutiny is not as strong as it perhaps ought to be, we need to look afresh at those powers.
I could not agree with the hon. Gentleman more on that point. If powers are being handed to local areas, which I think we all agree is right, it is important that that comes with a proper scrutiny framework. That is why we will shortly be publishing a detailed devolution accountability framework, alongside the trailblazer deals.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the potential consequences of devolution, particularly in terms of power centralisation by mayors.
If he will make an assessment of the potential benefits of transferring powers from central Government to (a) the Mayor of Greater Manchester and (b) other metro Mayors. I am concerned that devolving powers might create a personal power base for mayors like Andy Burnham, who are implementing policies such as the so-called clean-air zone which go against Conservative values.
Devolution gives local leaders the tools to level up. Mayors already drive economic growth, improve public services and respond to local priorities, which is why the Government are committed to deepening the devolution settlement for the most mature institutions, supported by stronger processes for accountability.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific assessment of potential benefits or address concerns about personal power bases directly.
Devolution Gives Local Leaders The Tools To Level Up
Response accuracy