Economy_First_-Octob...
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The last government made substantial changes to local Government encouraging the formation of larger units called unitary authroities. Regional Mayors in some areas were also inmplemented. The leader of Surrey County Council proposed that Surrey would become a unitary authority which would have resulted in Borough Councils being disbanded, Central Government was not keen on a unified authority covering Surrey partly as it would have been over the recomended maximum poulation numbers.
The new government is committed to devolving power from Westminster to Local Authorities and is planning to bring forward a England Devolution White Paper before the end of the year.
In the meantime the Ministry of Housing announced further agreements to devolve powers under exiting legislation.
"Four areas will receive more power from Westminster in the latest step in the government’s devolution revolution, which will deliver real change by boosting economic growth across the country.
The government has today signed off on agreements for regional mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and in Hull & East Yorkshire, and to establish combined county authorities in both Devon & Torbay and Lancashire.
The agreements signed today will mean local leaders have the power to make decisions in areas such as transport, adult education, and housing, boosting economic growth and opportunity, which are at the heart of the government’s agenda.
Mayors will be elected in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire – the last part of Yorkshire to be covered by a devolution deal – in May 2025 and will have control over transport, housing, skills, and investment to shape the future of their area.
For Devon & Torbay and Lancashire, combined county authorities will be established in early 2025 handed the responsibility for adult education. Ministers are encouraging local leaders to deepen these devolution deals and take strides towards mayoral devolution as a gold standard."
Surrey has already recently signed what is termed a Stage 2 Devolution agreement with the Ministry of Housing. The Ministry of Housing has stated that:
"The government is also minded to progress with the four non-mayoral ‘Level 2’ Single Local Authority devolution agreements with Cornwall Council, Buckinghamshire Council, Warwickshire County Council, and Surrey County Council, subject to further statutory tests being met. These agreements are an important step for places to see early benefits from devolution in the short-term.
However, in making this downpayment in good faith, the government is encouraging these areas to continue working to explore the next steps towards deeper and wider devolution."
Various groups have been making suggestions on the future of local government. As an an example the Centre of Cities recently produced proposals, these can be seen at the Document link below.
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