... A FORUM TO STIMULATE DEBATE ... ... JUST ADD A COMMENT AT ANY ENTRY BELOW... ... FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOWN AND VALLEY ...

Wednesday 6 September 2017

Devolution deadlock

We don't seem to know where we're going with 'devolution':
Futures Forum: Devolution deals 'mixed and inconclusive'
Futures Forum: Dithering over devolution in the SouthWest >>> "The name Great South West is a working title at present and may alter as the intiative gains momentum in order to be appropriate and resonate with all parties. This is not a brand used by the West of England LEP for their local authority areas."

There is increasing panic about the direction of whatever it is:


Publish progress report on devolution now, LGA tells government

Mark Smulian 6 Sep 17

The Local Government Association has called on the government to urgently release its annual devolution report amid fears the process has stalled across the country. The umbrella-group’s plea, released on Monday, marks two years since the government set a deadline for local areas to submit devolution proposals. Around 34 proposals – from cities, towns and counties across England – have been submitted.

The LGA argues that billions of pounds worth of economic growth and hundreds of thousands of new jobs and homes risk being lost as a result of the so-called “devolution deadlock”.  Mark Hawthorne, chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board, said councils wanted to use greater powers to build more homes, secure the infrastructure essential for economic growth, improve roads, close skill gaps and increase access to fast broadband but feared opportunities were being missed because devolution has “stalled”.


Publish progress report on devolution now, LGA tells government | Public Finance
W(h)ither LEPs and devolution? | East Devon Watch

And this is the view from the Local Government Association:

'Devolution deadlock' putting economic growth across England at risk


“To reignite the devolution process, the Government needs to engage in a debate about appropriate governance arrangements with local areas."

Devolution 04 Sep 2017

Opportunities for billions of pounds worth of economic growth and hundreds of thousands of new jobs and homes risk being lost as a result of “devolution deadlock” across the country.

Today (4 September) marks two years since the Government deadline for local areas to submit devolution proposals. Around 34 ambitious proposals – from cities, towns and counties across England - were submitted.

The Local Government Association is concerned that devolution progress has since “stalled” with no new deals announced for 18 months, despite many areas being keen to press forward with negotiations.

Councils want to see their communities access the full opportunities currently available to areas where devolution has taken place and ensure all parts of the country reap the benefits of having greater powers and funding to improve services such as skills, housing, transport and health and social care.


'Devolution deadlock' putting economic growth across England at risk | Local Government Association
Growing places: building local public services for the future | Local Government Association
”Devolution deadlock’ putting economic growth across England at risk’ | East Devon Watch

But it shouldn't be just about the money:
Futures Forum: "The solely economic focus of devolution – and the corresponding lack of attention to the democracy of devolution."
.
.
.

No comments: