Context
The question arises from the need for more effective governance at a local level. There is growing recognition that directly elected regional mayors can drive economic growth and service delivery.
Question
What steps he is taking to deliver more powers to local government bodies. I welcome the answer from the Minister. It is important that local government has the powers to deliver quality services, but unfortunately in Scotland the SNP Scottish Government have been grabbing powers back from local authorities for years. Does the Minister agree that we need to see Governments of all levels working together to ensure that British people get access to the services they deserve?
Answer from Luke Hall
We are committed to levelling up across the United Kingdom by devolving directly to local areas, which understand the needs in their community and are best placed to take decisions over investments to drive economic growth and deliver services for their communities. From May this year, 41% of people in England will be living in areas with directly elected regional mayors, and we intend to bring forward the devolution and local recovery White Paper in due course, which will detail how we will partner with places across the UK to build a sustainable recovery.
Not addressed: The specific steps being taken for Scotland or other areas where powers have been centralised are not addressed.
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