House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
English Devolution
16 December 2024 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Proposed by Jim McMahon Lab Co-op Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- English Devolution White Paper announced to devolve power and funding from central government to local authorities.
- Government plans to introduce the English Devolution Bill to enhance Mayors' powers over various areas including strategic planning and housing delivery.
- The bill aims to establish universal coverage of strategic authorities in England and improve local government reorganisation for better service delivery.
Issue summary
The statement is about announcing the English Devolution White Paper which outlines plans for devolving power and funding from central government to local authorities.
Action requested
The Government will introduce an English Devolution Bill when parliamentary time allows, enhancing Mayors' powers over strategic planning, grant funding, skills development, housing delivery, rail network governance, business support, and more. It also aims to establish universal coverage of strategic authorities in England and facilitate local government reorganisation for better service delivery.
Key facts
- The Government has laid the English Devolution White Paper.
- Mayors will have access to integrated funding settlements covering housing, regeneration, local growth, transport, skills, retrofit, and employment support.
- The goal is universal coverage of strategic authorities in England.
- Priority Programme for devolution aims to plan for inaugural mayoral elections in May 2026.
- Local government reorganisation will facilitate unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or hindered delivery of services.