The Government's commitment to devolution – spelt out by Chancellor John Healey in the recent Budget – is by far one of the most significant opportunities we, as local government, have been handed in years. The prospect of greater powers moving out of Whitehall and into the hands of local leaders is welcome by all and long overdue. But if ministers are serious about rebalancing decision-making across the country, then we must advocate for councils receiving not only greater responsibility, but also the powers, funding and certainty to deliver local growth ambitions.
Healey's proposals reflect an agenda championed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and mark an important step towards a more devolved model of government. For Key Cities, this is not a new conversation. The network has long argued that growth is best delivered when local leaders are entrusted with the powers, resources and flexibility to make decisions which will benefit their respective communities. But for all the conviction expressed by senior ministers, lasting change will require long-term certainty for those at the sharp end of local government.
