Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Metro Mayors: Transfer of Powers

Monday 20 February 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister states devolution gives local leaders tools to level up and improve local conditions.
  • Government prioritizes securing trailblazer deals for Greater Manchester and the West Midlands before discussing other metro areas.
  • Minister agrees scrutiny must increase at local level as powers shift from central government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Duddridge Con
Scotland Local Government
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Dehenna Davison

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific assessment of potential benefits or address concerns about personal power bases directly.

How: 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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Q2 James Duddridge Con
Local Government
Context

The question addresses the concern that trailblazer deals in specific areas imply a delay for other combined authorities to receive similar powers.

Question

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?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific timeline or timetable for other combined authorities.

How: Our Priority At The Moment Is Securing These Trailblazer Deals

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Q3 Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East
Business & Trade Local Government
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

My hon. Friend is a great champion for his community and I would be happy to meet him to discuss this policy further.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the concern about the workplace parking levy directly.

How: I Would Be Happy To Meet Him To Discuss This Policy Further.

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Q4 Chris Green Con
Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

The MP raises the issue of increased scrutiny needed at a very local level when powers are devolved.

Question

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.

Answer from Dehenna Davison

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.

Answered
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Q5 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Scotland Local Government
Context

The MP questions the potential consequences of devolution, particularly in terms of power centralisation by mayors.

Question

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.

Answer from Dehenna Davison

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific assessment of potential benefits or address concerns about personal power bases directly.

How: Devolution Gives Local Leaders The Tools To Level Up

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