This year, chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled an end to Whitehall orthodoxy, a light at the end of the tunnel for England's regions. She committed to publishing a fiscal devolution roadmap of the Autumn Budget.
It took many by surprise, offering a genuine breakthrough and commitment to giving English mayors a share of national taxes, most likely income tax. Reforms will be fiscally neutral, meaning no new taxes and no higher rates – devolution, but at no extra cost to taxpayers.
