Title

DEVOLUTION

Report calls for fundamental reform

The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the ‘dysfunctional relationship’ between central and local government, a report has argued today.

The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the ‘dysfunctional relationship' between central and local government, a report has argued today.

In the report, the Tony Blair Institute called for fundamental reform to the way local government is financed.

Report author Lizzie Insall said: ‘The response to COVID-19 exemplifies the failure of an overcentralised state - confusion over PPE [personal protective equipment], test and trace, local lockdowns.

'This approach, centralised by default, is the baked in reality for how local government operates.

'The financial plumbing needs fixing so that it is both properly funded as a service provider and so local leaders are truly empowered.'

Ms Insall told The MJ the inevitable result of the funding framework for councils was a disempowered local government, underserved citizens and wasted public money.

A government spokeswoman said: ‘We are committed to levelling up all areas of the country by empowering our regions through devolving money, resources and control away from Westminster.'

DEVOLUTION

Growing London benefits everyone

By Antonia Jennings | 07 October 2025

London must not be ignored as the Government focuses on spreading devolution across England – for the good of the whole country, writes Antonia Jennings.

DEVOLUTION

Modern city governance –New York style

By Professor Bruce Katz | 07 October 2025

Bruce Katz sets out four key lessons London and other cities can draw on from New York’s progression as a global success story since its birth, based on mark...

DEVOLUTION

Experts' warning over Exceptional Financial Support

By Dan Peters | 07 October 2025

Council finance experts have urged the Government to ensure that Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) remains temporary and does not become ‘embedded in the p...

DEVOLUTION

Reorganisation, Reform and devolution

By Ann McGauran | 02 October 2025

Change is rippling through local government, from structural reform and new combined authorities, to health integration and the push for financial sustainabi...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman