Devolution Efforts Underway in England: New Plans for Regional Fiscal Power
What happened
Devolution efforts are underway in England, with mayoral authorities established in London, West Midlands, and Greater Manchester under new plans. Ministers will outline plans next month to give regional leaders control over potentially billions of pounds of additional funding through a transformational shift of power outside Whitehall. The proposals include allowing mayors to keep a share of income tax generated in their areas from 2028, alongside retaining business rates from 2027 and raising funds via a tourist tax.
From aol.co.uk
Why it matters
A think tank stated that these increasingly powerful mayors should be subject to much tougher oversight. The proposals call for the establishment of new regional audit offices to scrutinize how money is spent and what it delivers. The think tank warned that bad decisions or mismanagement of funds from any one authority risks turning public opinion against devolution.
Devolution grants local executive authority, and metro mayors provide authority over urban regions in England.
From aol.co.uk
Who's involved
- EnglandThe geopolitical state where the devolution efforts are taking place.
- Greater ManchesterOne of the metropolitan counties benefiting from the devolution agenda.
- West MidlandsOne of the metropolitan counties targeted for new devolved powers.
- Cabinet OfficeThe government department whose plans are driving the devolution agenda.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- West MidlandsSpeculative
The region could gain control over billions in funding, including a share of income tax and tourist tax.
- Greater ManchesterSpeculative
The mayoral authority could gain direct control over business rates and income tax revenue.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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England
country in north-west Europe, part of the United Kingdom
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London
capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom
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Greater Manchester
metropolitan county in North West England
Related events
- Andy Burnham proposed major devolution of power and funding, drawing on his experience as Greater Manchester mayor.
- The UK government is reviewing funding models for England, recognizing the need for stronger, essential cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool to drive national growth, while also addressing capital city pressures in London.
- Local authority Croydon Council commissioned a housing development in London.
- Police forces are reported to be operating across major cities in England and Wales.