An overview of Devolution
English devolution is the transfer of power and funding associated with specific policy areas, from the UK government to sub-regional and local governments in England.
The devolution process means the transfer of powers, funding and decisions which would usually be taken by central government to a more local or regional level. The government has pledged that English devolution can be a means of ‘levelling up’ all parts of the country and reducing regional inequalities.
English devolution deals focus on boosting local economic growth. Funding and powers are usually devolved to support a range of areas for potential growth in the combined authority area, such as:
- transport
- skills
- housing
- planning
- general economic development programmes
Generally, each devolution deal includes a capital investment fund of hundreds of millions of pounds, which is paid in annual instalments over 3 decades. These funds can be used to finance transport, housing, and development projects.
Devolution from central government means that a region or sub-region has more powers and responsibilities than they have now, so that:
- decisions can be made closer to the communities they affect
- spending is focused on local priorities and to attract increased government investment
- local services work more closely together, and knowledge is combined to get better value for money
- the region becomes more self-sufficient and takes responsibility for its future
- the different values, ambitions and identities of the region are considered and reflected in decisions taken