Angela Rayner pledges ‘devolution revolution’ by giving more power to communities
Angela Rayner will unveil a “devolution revolution” for the English shires on Tuesday.
The Housing Secretary will write to all local leaders outside the major metropolitan areas to offer extra powers on transport, housing and employment.
She said she hoped it would lead to “the most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen”.
The idea is to hand power to those outside the places which already have their own elected mayors with sweeping powers.
So far there has been little devolution to counties containing smaller towns and rural areas.
In the letter, Ms Rayner said: “For too long, Westminster government has tightly gripped control and held back opportunities and potential for towns, cities, and villages across the country.
“Last week, with the Prime Minister, I had the pleasure of meeting the metro mayors in England. We discussed how to have proper, grown-up conversations around economic growth, and how to deliver that through better housing, skills and jobs for local people.
“I want to work with more places to help them use these enhanced powers - because I want to drive growth in every part of the country. For any area considering it, now is the time to take the plunge and speak to us about how we can work with you to transform your regions.”
Ms Rayner, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, will invite county and unitary council leaders in “devolution deserts” to work together to take on powers in areas like transport, adult education, housing and employment support.
At present, only about half of the population in England benefit from devolved powers and the government believes this is holding back economic growth.
Greater Manchester, where devolution has existed for the longest and powers are deepest, has been one of the UK’s fastest growing areas over the last 20 years and is forecast to outpace economic growth by more than the national average in coming years.
This has been driven by powers allowing the Greater Manchester mayor – currently Labour’s Andy Burnham – to encourage investment in the city, boost skills and work towards an integrated transport system.
Mayors are thought to have played a crucial role in attracting new investment in other areas, such as West Yorkshire, led by Tracy Brabin, which is now home to the UK’s fastest growing digital industry outside London.